Aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives of the formula (I) 
                         
or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof.
 
     The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives, and the use of such aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives for therapeutic purposes. The aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives are GlyT1 inhibitors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/892,142, filed on Oct. 17, 2013, the entire contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives, and the use of such aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives for therapeutic purposes. The aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives are GlyT1 inhibitors.

Dysfunction of glutamatergic pathways has been implicated in a number of disease states in the human central nervous system (CNS) including but not limited to schizophrenia, cognitive deficits, dementia, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease and bipolar disorder. A large number of studies in animal models lend support to the NMDA hypofunction hypothesis of schizophrenia.

NMDA receptor function can be modulated by altering the availability of the co-agonist glycine. This approach has the critical advantage of maintaining activity-dependent activation of the NMDA receptor because an increase in the synaptic concentration of glycine will not produce an activation of NMDA receptors in the absence of glutamate. Since synaptic glutamate levels are tightly maintained by high affinity transport mechanisms, an increased activation of the glycine site will only enhance the NMDA component of activated synapses.

Two specific glycine transporters, GlyT1 and GlyT2 have been identified and shown to belong to the Na/Cl-dependent family of neurotransmitter transporters which includes taurine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), proline, monoamines and orphan transporters. GlyT1 and GlyT2 have been isolated from different species and shown to have only 50% identity at the amino acid level. They also have a different pattern of expression in mammalian central nervous system, with GlyT2 being expressed in spinal cord, brainstem and cerebellum and GlyT1 present in these regions as well as forebrain areas such as cortex, hippocampus, septum and thalamus. At the cellular level, GlyT2 has been reported to be expressed by glycinergic nerve endings in rat spinal cord whereas GlyT1 appears to be preferentially expressed by glial cells. These expression studies have led to the suggestion that GlyT2 is predominantly responsible for glycine uptake at glycinergic synapses whereas GlyT1 is involved in monitoring glycine concentration in the vicinity of NMDA receptor expressing synapses. Recent functional studies in rat have shown that blockade of GlyT1 with the potent inhibitor (N-[3-(4′-fluorophenyl)-3-(4′-phenylphenoxy)propyl])-sarcosine (NFPS) potentiates NMDA receptor activity and NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation in rat.

Molecular cloning has further revealed the existence of three variants of GlyT1, termed GlyT-1a, GlyT-1b and GlyT-1c, each of which displays a unique distribution in the brain and peripheral tissues. The variants arise by differential splicing and exon usage, and differ in their N-terminal regions.

The physiological effects of GlyT1 in forebrain regions together with clinical reports showing the beneficial effects of GlyT1 inhibitor sarcosine in improving symptoms in schizophrenia patients suggest that selective GlyT1 inhibitors represent a new class of antipsychotic drugs.

Glycine transporter inhibitors are already known in the art, for example:

(see also Hashimoto K., Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery, 2006, 1, 43-53; Harsing L. G. et al., Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2006, 13, 1017-1044; Javitt D. C., Molecular Psychiatry (2004) 9, 984-997; Lindsley, C. W. et al., Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2006, 6, 771-785; Lindsley C. W. et al., Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2006, 6, 1883-1896).

Further glycine transporter inhibitors are known from the following documents.

WO 2009024611 describes 4-benzylaminoquinolines of formula:

WO 2009121872 describes tetrahydroisoquinoline of formula:

WO 2010092180 describes aminotetraline derivatives of formula:

WO 2010092181 describes heterocyclic compounds of formula:

WO 2012020131 describes apheinoindane derivatives of formula:

WO 2012020130 describes phenalkylamine derivatives of formula:

WO 2012020133 describes tetraline and indane derivatives of formula:

WO 2012152915 describes benzazepine derivatives of formula:

WO 2012020134 describes phenalkylamine derivatives of formulae:

WO 2013020930 describes aminochromane, aminothiochromane and amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives of formula:

WO 2013072520 describes N-substituted aminobenzocycloheptene, aminotetraline, aminoindane and phenalkylamine derivatives of formula:

WO 2013120835 describes isoindoline derivatives of formula

It was one object of the present invention to provide further glycine transporter inhibitors. It was a further object of the present invention to provide glycine transporter inhibitors which combine high stability with high affinity. It was a further object of the present invention to provide glycine trans-stability with high affinity. It was a further object of the present invention to provide glycine transporter inhibitors which show favorable efflux properties. It was a further object of the present invention to provide glycine transporter inhibitors which combine high stability and high affinity with favorable efflux properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives of the formula (I)

-   wherein -   A is a 5- or 6-membered ring; -   R¹ is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, halogenated alkyl,     trialkylsilylalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl,     alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkylcarbonylaminoalkyl,     alkyloxycarbonylaminoalkyl, alkylaminocarbonylaminoalkyl,     dialkylaminocarbonylaminoalkyl, alkylsulfonylaminoalkyl, (optionally     substituted arylalkyl)aminoalkyl, optionally substituted arylalkyl,     optionally substituted heterocyclylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl,     alkoxycarbonyl, halogenated alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl,     aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, (halogenated alkyl)aminocarbonyl,     arylaminocarbonyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl,     hydroxy, alkoxy, halogenated alkoxy, hydroxyalkoxy, alkoxyalkoxy,     aminoalkoxy, alkylaminoalkoxy, dialkylaminoalkoxy,     alkylcarbonylaminoalkoxy, arylcarbonylaminoalkoxy,     alkoxycarbonylaminoalkoxy, arylalkoxy, alkylsulfonylaminoalkoxy,     (halogenated alkyl)sulfonylaminoalkoxy, arylsulfonylaminoalkoxy,     (arylalkyl)sulfonylaminoalkoxy, heterocyclylsulfonylaminoalkoxy,     heterocyclylalkoxy, aryloxy, heterocyclyloxy, alkylthio, halogenated     alkylthio, alkylamino, (halogenated alkyl)amino, dialkylamino,     di-(halogenated alkyl)amino, alkylcarbonylamino, (halogenated     alkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, alkylsulfonylamino,     (halogenated alkyl)sulfonylamino, arylsulfonylamino or optionally     substituted heterocyclyl; -   W is —NR⁷— or a bond; -   A¹ is optionally substituted alkylene or a bond; -   Q is —S(O)₂— or —C(O)—; -   Y is —NR⁸— or a bond; -   n1 is 0, 1, 2, or 3; -   n2 is 0, 1, 2, or 3; -   X¹ is >N— or >CH—; -   R⁶ is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, halogenated alkyl, —CN, hydroxy,     alkoxy or halogenated alkoxy, or two radicals R⁶ together with the     carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl group; -   R² is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, halogenated alkyl, —CN, alkenyl,     alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl, hydroxy, alkoxy, halogenated     alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkenyloxy, arylalkoxy, alkylcarbonyloxy,     alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, amino,     alkylamino, alkenylamino, nitro or optionally substituted     heterocyclyl, or two radicals R² together with the ring atoms of A     to which they are bound form a 5- or 6 membered ring; -   m is 0 or 1; -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl or alkoxy, or two radicals R³     together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a     carbonyl group; -   Y¹ is a bond or optionally substituted alkylene; -   R^(4a) is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, halogenated alkyl,     hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, —CH₂CN, arylalkyl, optionally     substituted cycloalkyl, —CHO, alkylcarbonyl, (halogenated     alkyl)carbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl,     alkylaminocarbonyl, alkenyl, —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NHCN, alkylsulfonyl,     arylsulfonyl, amino, —NO or optionally substituted heterocyclyl; or -   R^(4a) is optionally substituted alkylene that is bound to a carbon     atom in Y¹; -   R^(4b) is hydrogen, alkyl, halogenated alkyl, hydroxyalkyl,     alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, —CH₂CN, —CHO, alkylcarbonyl, (halogenated     alkyl)carbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl,     alkylaminocarbonyl, alkenyl, —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NHCN, alkylsulfonyl,     arylsulfonyl, amino, —NO or heterocyclyl; or -   R^(4a), R^(4b)     -   together are optionally substituted alkylene, wherein one —CH₂—         of alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁰; -   X² is —O—, —NR^(11a)—, —S—, >CR^(12a)R^(12b) or a bond; -   X³ is —O—, —NR^(11b)—, —S—, >CR^(13a)R^(13b) or a bond; -   R⁵ is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl     or optionally substituted heterocyclyl; -   R⁷ is hydrogen or alkyl; -   R⁸ is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aminoalkyl, optionally     substituted arylalkyl or heterocyclyl; or -   R⁸, R¹     -   together are alkylene; -   R¹⁰ is hydrogen or alkyl; -   R^(11a) is hydrogen or alkyl; -   R^(11b) is hydrogen or alkyl; -   R^(12a) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, alkylaminoalkyl,     dialkylaminoalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or     hydroxy; -   R^(12b) is hydrogen or alkyl, or -   R^(12a), R^(12b)     -   together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a         carbonyl or are optionally substituted alkylene, wherein one         —CH₂— of alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁴—; -   R^(13a) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, alkylaminoalkyl,     dialkylaminoalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or     hydroxy; -   R^(13b) is hydrogen or alkyl, -   R^(13a), R^(13b)     -   together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a         carbonyl or are optionally substituted alkylene, wherein one         —CH₂— of alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁵—; -   R¹⁴ is hydrogen or alkyl; and -   R¹⁵ is hydrogen or alkyl, -   or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof.

Thus, the terms aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives is used herein to denote aminotetralines and aminoindanes wherein the benzene ring is replaced by a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring.

Said compounds of formula (I), i.e., the aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives of formula (I) and their physiologically tolerated salts, are glycine transporter inhibitors and thus useful as pharmaceuticals. Compounds of formula (I) combine high metabolic stability with high affinity. Compounds of formula (I) show favorable efflux properties which may lead to enhanced oral bioavailability and/or increased brain availability. Compounds of formula (I) combine high metabolic stability and high affinity with favorable efflux properties.

The present invention thus further relates to the compounds of formula (I) for use in therapy.

The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise a carrier and a compound of formula (I).

In particular, said compounds, i.e., the aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives and their physiologically tolerated salts, are inhibitors of the glycine transporter GlyT1.

The present invention thus further relates to the compounds of formula (I) for use in inhibiting the glycine transporter GlyT1.

The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting the glycine transporter GlyT1 and corresponding methods of inhibiting the glycine transporter GlyT1.

Glycine transport inhibitors and in particular inhibitors of the glycine transporter GlyT1 are known to be useful in treating a variety of neurologic and psychiatric disorders.

The present invention thus further relates to the compounds of formula (I) for use in treating a neurologic or psychiatric disorder.

The present invention further relates to the compounds of formula (I) for use in treating pain.

The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a neurologic or psychiatric disorder and corresponding methods of treating said disorders. The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for treating pain and corresponding methods of treating pain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided that the aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives of the formula (I) of a given constitution may exist in different spatial arrangements, for example if they possess one or more centers of asymmetry, polysubstituted rings or double bonds, or as different tautomers, it is also possible to use enantiomeric mixtures, in particular racemates, diastereomeric mixtures and tautomeric mixtures, preferably, however, the respective essentially pure enantiomers, diastereomers and tautomers of the compounds of formula (I) and/or of their salts.

According to one embodiment, an enantiomer of the compounds of the present invention has the following formula:

wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, A, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

According to another embodiment, an enantiomer of the compounds of the present invention has the following formula:

wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, A, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

According to one embodiment, an enantiomer of the compounds of the present invention has the following formula:

wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, A, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

According to another embodiment, an enantiomer of the compounds of the present invention has the following formula:

wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, A, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

The physiologically tolerated salts of the aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives of the formula (I) are especially acid addition salts with physiologically tolerated acids. Examples of suitable physiologically tolerated organic and inorganic acids are hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonic acids, such as methanesulfonic acid, cycloaliphatic sulfonic acids, such as S-(+)-10-camphor sulfonic acid, aromatic sulfonic acids, such as benzenesulfonic acid and toluenesulfonic acid, di- and tricarboxylic acids and hydroxycarboxylic acids having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, adipic acid and benzoic acid. Other utilizable acids are described, e.g., in Fortschritte der Arzneimittelforschung [Advances in drug research], Volume 10, pages 224 ff., Birkhä user Verlag, Basel and Stuttgart, 1966. The physiologically tolerated salts of the aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives also include salts of a physiologically tolerated anion with aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives wherein one or more than one nitrogen atom is quaternized, e.g. with an alkyl residue (e.g. methyl or ethyl).

The present invention moreover relates to compounds of formula (I) as defined herein, wherein at least one of the atoms has been replaced by its stable, non-radioactive isotope (e.g., hydrogen by deuterium, ¹²C by ¹³C, ¹⁴N by ¹⁵N, ¹⁶O by ¹⁸O) and preferably wherein at least one hydrogen atom has been replaced by a deuterium atom.

Of course, such compounds contain more of the respective isotope than this naturally occurs and thus is anyway present in the compounds (I).

Stable isotopes (e.g., deuterium, ¹³C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O) are nonradioactive isotopes which contain one or more additional neutron than the normally abundant isotope of the respective atom. Deuterated compounds have been used in pharmaceutical research to investigate the in vivo metabolic fate of the compounds by evaluation of the mechanism of action and metabolic pathway of the nondeuterated parent compound (Blake et al. J. Pharm. Sci. 64, 3, 367-391 (1975)). Such metabolic studies are important in the design of safe, effective therapeutic drugs, either because the in vivo active compound administered to the patient or because the metabolites produced from the parent compound prove to be toxic or carcinogenic (Foster et al., Advances in Drug Research Vol. 14, pp. 2-36, Academic Press, London, 1985; Kato et al., J. Labelled Comp. Radiopharmaceut., 36(10):927-932 (1995); Kushner et al., Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol., 77, 79-88 (1999).

Incorporation of a heavy atom particularly substitution of deuterium for hydrogen, can give rise to an isotope effect that could alter the pharmacokinetics of the drug. This effect is usually insignificant if the label is placed at a metabolically inert position of the molecule.

Stable isotope labeling of a drug can alter its physico-chemical properties such as pKa and lipid solubility. These changes may influence the fate of the drug at different steps along its passage through the body. Absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion can be changed. Absorption and distribution are processes that depend primarily on the molecular size and the lipophilicity of the substance. These effects and alterations can affect the pharmacodynamic response of the drug molecule if the isotopic substitution affects a region involved in a ligand-receptor interaction.

Drug metabolism can give rise to large isotopic effect if the breaking of a chemical bond to a deuterium atom is the rate limiting step in the process. While some of the physical properties of a stable isotope-labeled molecule are different from those of the unlabeled one, the chemical and biological properties are the same, with one important exception: because of the increased mass of the heavy isotope, any bond involving the heavy isotope and another atom will be stronger than the same bond between the light isotope and that atom. In any reaction in which the breaking of this bond is the rate limiting step, the reaction will proceed slower for the molecule with the heavy isotope due to “kinetic isotope effect”. A reaction involving breaking a C-D bond can be up to 700 percent slower than a similar reaction involving breaking a C—H bond. If the C-D bond is not involved in any of the steps leading to the metabolite, there may not be any effect to alter the behavior of the drug. If a deuterium is placed at a site involved in the metabolism of a drug, an isotope effect will be observed only if breaking of the C-D bond is the rate limiting step. There is evidence to suggest that whenever cleavage of an aliphatic C—H bond occurs, usually by oxidation catalyzed by a mixed-function oxidase, replacement of the hydrogen by deuterium will lead to observable isotope effect. It is also important to understand that the incorporation of deuterium at the site of metabolism slows its rate to the point where another metabolite produced by attack at a carbon atom not substituted by deuterium becomes the major pathway a process called “metabolic switching”.

Deuterium tracers, such as deuterium-labeled drugs and doses, in some cases repeatedly, of thousands of milligrams of deuterated water, are also used in healthy humans of all ages, including neonates and pregnant women, without reported incident (e.g. Pons G and Rey E, Pediatrics 1999 104: 633; Coward W A et al., Lancet 1979 7: 13; Schwarcz H P, Control. Clin. Trials 1984 5 (4 Suppl): 573; Rodewald L E et al., J. Pediatr. 1989 114: 885; Butte N F et al. Br. J. Nutr. 1991 65: 3; MacLennan A H et al. Am. J. Obstet Gynecol. 1981 139: 948). Thus, it is clear that any deuterium released, for instance, during the metabolism of compounds of this invention poses no health risk.

The weight percentage of hydrogen in a mammal (approximately 9%) and natural abundance of deuterium (approximately 0.015%) indicates that a 70 kg human normally contains nearly a gram of deuterium. Furthermore, replacement of up to about 15% of normal hydrogen with deuterium has been effected and maintained for a period of days to weeks in mammals, including rodents and dogs, with minimal observed adverse effects (Czajka D M and Finkel A J, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1960 84: 770; Thomson J F, Ann. New York Acad. Sci 1960 84: 736; Czakja D M et al., Am. J. Physiol. 1961 201: 357). Higher deuterium concentrations, usually in excess of 20%, can be toxic in animals. However, acute replacement of as high as 15%-23% of the hydrogen in humans' fluids with deuterium was found not to cause toxicity (Blagojevic N et al. in “Dosimetry & Treatment Planning for Neutron Capture Therapy”, Zamenhof R, Solares G and Harling O Eds. 1994. Advanced Medical Publishing, Madison Wis. pp. 125-134; Diabetes Metab. 23: 251 (1997)).

Increasing the amount of deuterium present in a compound above its natural abundance is called enrichment or deuterium-enrichment. Examples of the amount of enrichment include from about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 63, 67, 71, 75, 79, 84, 88, 92, 96, to about 100 mol %.

The hydrogens present on a particular organic compound have different capacities for exchange with deuterium. Certain hydrogen atoms are easily exchangeable under physiological conditions and, if replaced by deuterium atoms, it is expected that they will readily exchange for protons after administration to a patient. Certain hydrogen atoms may be exchanged for deuterium atoms by the action of a deuteric acid such as D₂SO₄/D₂O. Alternatively, deuterium atoms may be incorporated in various combinations during the synthesis of compounds of the invention. Certain hydrogen atoms are not easily exchangeable for deuterium atoms. However, deuterium atoms at the remaining positions may be incorporated by the use of deuterated starting materials or intermediates during the construction of compounds of the invention.

Deuterated and deuterium-enriched compounds of the invention can be prepared by using known methods described in the literature. Such methods can be carried out utilizing corresponding deuterated and optionally, other isotope-containing reagents and/or intermediates to synthesize the compounds delineated herein, or invoking standard synthetic protocols known in the art for introducing isotopic atoms to a chemical structure. Relevant procedures and intermediates are disclosed, for instance in Lizondo, J et al., Drugs Fut, 21(11), 1116 (1996); Brickner, S J et al., J Med Chem, 39(3), 673 (1996); Mallesham, B et al., Org Lett, 5(7), 963 (2003); PCT publications WO1997010223, WO2005099353, WO1995007271, WO2006008754; U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,538,189; 7,534,814; 7531685; 7528131; 7521421; 7514068; 7511013; and US Patent Application Publication Nos. 20090137457; 20090131485; 20090131363; 20090118238; 20090111840; 20090105338; 20090105307; 20090105147; 20090093422; 20090088416; 20090082471, the methods are hereby incorporated by reference.

The organic moieties mentioned in the above definitions of the variables are—like the term halogen—collective terms for individual listings of the individual group members. The prefix C_(n)-C_(m) indicates in each case the possible number of carbon atoms in the group. The prefix M_(n)-M_(m) indicates in each case the possible number of ring forming atoms (ring members) in the group.

Unless indicated otherwise, the term “substituted” means that a radical is substituted with 1, 2 or 3, especially 1, substituent which, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, are independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated-C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-(halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl), C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₇-cycloalkyl, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, —CN, —CO₂H, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylaminocarbonyl, (di-C₁-C₄-alkylamino)carbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylaminocarbonyl, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclylaminocarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryl, oxo (═O), OH, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, halogenated-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₃-C₇-cycloalkoxy, carboxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxy, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, SH, C₁-C₄-alkylthio, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylaminosulfonyl, di-C₁-C₄-alkylaminosulfonyl, C₃-C₆-arylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, C₃-C₆-arylaminosulfonyl, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclylaminosulfonyl, NH₂, C₁-C₄-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclylsulfonylamino and M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, wherein aryl and heterocyclyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

The term halogen denotes in each case fluorine, bromine, chlorine or iodine, in particular fluorine or chlorine.

C₁-C₄-Alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of an alkyl group are methyl, C₂-C₄-alkyl such as ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl. C₁-C₂-Alkyl is methyl or ethyl, C₁-C₃-alkyl is additionally n-propyl or isopropyl.

C₁-C₆-Alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include methyl, C₂-C₄-alkyl as mentioned herein and also pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, hexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl.

Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms, such as in halogenomethyl, dihalogenomethyl, trihalogenomethyl, (R)-1-halogenoethyl, (S)-1-halogenoethyl, 2-halogenoethyl, 1,1-dihalogenoethyl, 2,2-dihalogenoethyl, 2,2,2-trihalogenoethyl, (R)-1-halogenopropyl, (S)-1-halogenopropyl, 2-halogenopropyl, 3-halogenopropyl, 1,1-dihalogenopropyl, 2,2-dihalogenopropyl, 3,3-dihalogenopropyl, 3,3,3-trihalogenopropyl, (R)-2-halogeno-1-methylethyl, (S)-2-halogeno-1-methylethyl, (R)-2,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethyl, (S)-2,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethyl, (R)-1,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethyl, (S)-1,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethyl, (R)-2,2,2-trihalogeno-1-methylethyl, (S)-2,2,2-trihalogeno-1-methylethyl, 2-halogeno-1-(halogenomethyl)ethyl, 1-(dihalogenomethyl)-2,2-dihalogenoethyl, (R)-1-halogenobutyl, (S)-1-halogenobutyl, 2-halogenobutyl, 3-halogenobutyl, 4-halogenobutyl, 1,1-dihalogenobutyl, 2,2-dihalogenobutyl, 3,3-dihalogenobutyl, 4,4-dihalogenobutyl, 4,4,4-trihalogenobutyl, etc. Particular examples include the fluorinated C₁-C₆ alkyl groups as defined, such as trifluoromethyl.

C₃-C₁₂-Cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a cycloaliphatic radical having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms such as in cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl and cyclohexylmethyl.

C₆-C₁₂-Aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by C₆-C₁₂-aryl, such as in benzyl.

Hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, wherein one or two hydrogen atoms are replaced by one or two hydroxyl groups, such as in hydroxymethyl, (R)-1-hydroxyethyl, (S)-1-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, (R)-1-hydroxypropyl, (S)-1-hydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, (R)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl, (S)-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl, (R)-1-hydroxybutyl, (S)-1-hydroxybutyl, 2-hydroxybutyl, 3-hydroxybutyl, 4-hydroxybutyl.

C₁-C₆-Alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, wherein one or two hydrogen atoms are replaced by one or two alkoxy groups having 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4, in particular 1 or 2 carbon atoms, such as in methoxymethyl, (R)-1-methoxyethyl, (S)-1-methoxyethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, (R)-1-methoxypropyl, (S)-1-methoxypropyl, 2-methoxypropyl, 3-methoxypropyl, (R)-2-methoxy-1-methylethyl, (S)-2-methoxy-1-methylethyl, 2-methoxy-1-(methoxymethyl)ethyl, (R)-1-methoxybutyl, (S)-1-methoxybutyl, 2-methoxybutyl, 3-methoxybutyl, 4-methoxybutyl, ethoxymethyl, (R)-1-ethoxyethyl, (S)-1-ethoxyethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, (R)-1-ethoxypropyl, (S)-1-ethoxypropyl, 2-ethoxypropyl, 3-ethoxypropyl, (R)-2-ethoxy-1-methylethyl, (S)-2-ethoxy-1-methylethyl, 2-ethoxy-1-(ethoxymethyl)ethyl, (R)-1-ethoxybutyl, (S)-1-ethoxybutyl, 2-ethoxybutyl, 3-ethoxybutyl, 4-ethoxybutyl.

Amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an amino group, such as in aminomethyl, 2-aminoethyl.

C₁-C₆-Alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a C₁-C₆-alkylamino group, in particular by a C₁-C₄-alkylamino group, such as in methylaminomethyl, ethylaminomethyl, n-propylaminomethyl, iso-propylaminomethyl, n-butylaminomethyl, 2-butylaminomethyl, isobutylaminomethyl or tert-butylaminomethyl.

Di-C₁-C₆-Alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a di-C₁-C₆-Alkylamino group, in particular by a di-C₁-C₄-alkylamino group, such as in dimethylaminomethyl.

C₁-C₆-Alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino group, in particular by a C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonylamino group, such as in methylcarbonylaminomethyl, ethylcarbonylaminomethyl, n-propylcarbonylaminomethyl, iso-propylcarbonylaminomethyl, n-butylcarbonylaminomethyl, 2-butylcarbonylaminomethyl, iso-butylcarbonylaminomethyl or tertbutylcarbonylaminomethyl.

C₁-C₆-Alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino group, in particular by a C₁-C₄-alkylaminocarbonylamino group, such as in methylaminocarbonylaminomethyl, ethylaminocarbonylaminomethyl, n-propylaminocarbonylaminomethyl, iso-propylaminocarbonylaminomethyl, n-butylaminocarbonylaminomethyl, 2-butylaminocarbonylaminomethyl, iso-butylaminocarbonylaminomethyl or tertbutylaminocarbonylaminomethyl.

Di-C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a di-C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino group, in particular by a di-C₁-C₄-alkylaminocarbonylamino group, such as in dimethylaminocarbonylaminomethyl, dimethylaminocarbonylaminoethyl, dimethylaminocarbonylaminon-propyl.

C₁-C₆-Alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino group, in particular by a C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonylamino group, such as in methylsulfonylaminomethyl, ethylsulfonylaminomethyl, n-propylsulfonylaminomethyl, iso-propylsulfonylaminomethyl, n-butylsulfonylaminomethyl, 2-butylsulfonylaminomethyl, iso-butylsulfonylaminomethyl or tertbutylsulfonylaminomethyl.

(C₆-C₁₂-Aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-C₁-C₄ alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino group, in particular a (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₂-alkyl)amino group, such as in benzylaminomethyl.

M₃-M₁₂-Heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, in particular 1 or two carbon atoms, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, such as in N-pyrrolidinylmethyl, N-piperidinylmethyl, N-morpholinylmethyl.

C₃-C₁₂-Cycloalkyl is a cycloaliphatic radical having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms. In particular, 3 to 6 carbon atoms form the cyclic structure, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. The cyclic structure may be unsubstituted or may carry 1, 2, 3 or 4 C₁-C₄ alkyl radicals, preferably one or more methyl radicals.

Carbonyl is >C═O.

C₁-C₆-Alkylcarbonyl is a radical of the formula R—C(O)—, wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4, in particular 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include acetyl, propionyl, n-butyryl, 2-methylpropionyl, pivaloyl.

Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl is C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl as defined herein, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms. Examples include fluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoromethylcarbonyl, trifluoromethylcarbonyl. Further examples are 1,1,1-trifluoroeth-2-ylcarbonyl, 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-3-ylcarbonyl.

C₆-C₁₂-Arylcarbonyl is a radical of the formula R—C(O)—, wherein R is an aryl radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include benzoyl.

C₁-C₆-Alkoxycarbonyl is a radical of the formula R—O—C(O)—, wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4, in particular 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methoxycarbonyl and tert-butyloxycarbonyl.

Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl is a C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl as defined herein, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms.

C₆-C₁₂-Aryloxycarbonyl is a radical of the formula R—O—C(O)—, wherein R is an aryl radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include phenoxycarbonyl.

Cyano is —C≡N.

Aminocarbonyl is NH₂C(O)—.

C₁-C₆-Alkylaminocarbonyl is a radical of the formula R—NH—C(O)—, wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4, in particular 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylaminocarbonyl.

(Halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)aminocarbonyl is a C₁-C₄-alkylaminocarbonyl as defined herein, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different hydrogen atoms.

C₆-C₁₂-Arylaminocarbonyl is a radical of the formula R—NH—C(O)—, wherein R is an aryl radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include phenylaminocarbonyl.

C₂-C₆-Alkenyl is a singly unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms, e.g. vinyl, allyl (2-propen-1-yl), 1-propen-1-yl, 2-propen-2-yl, methallyl(2-methylprop-2-en-1-yl) and the like. C₃-C₅-Alkenyl is, in particular, allyl, 1-methylprop-2-en-1-yl, 2-buten-1-yl, 3-buten-1-yl, methallyl, 2-penten-1-yl, 3-penten-1-yl, 4-penten-1-yl, 1-methylbut-2-en-1-yl or 2-ethylprop-2-en-1-yl.

C₂-C₆-Alkynyl is a singly unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms, e.g. ethynyl, 2-propyn-1-yl, 1-propyn-1-yl, 2-propyn-2-yl and the like. C₃-C₅-Alkynyl is, in particular, 2-propyn-1-yl, 2-butyn-1-yl, 3-butyn-1-yl, 2-pentyn-1-yl, 3-pentyn-1-yl, 4-pentyn-1-yl.

C₁-C₄-Alkylene is straight-chain or branched alkylene group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples include methylene and ethylene. A further example is propylene.

C₂-C₆-Alkylene is straight-chain or branched alkylene group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include ethylene. A further example is propylene.

C₂-C₄-Alkenylene is straight-chain or branched alkenylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

C₂-C₄-Alkynylene is straight-chain or branched alkynylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples include propynylene.

C₆-C₁₂-Aryl is a 6- to 12-membered, in particular 6- to 10-membered, aromatic cyclic radical. Examples include phenyl and naphthyl.

C₃-C₁₂-Arylene is an aryl diradical. Examples include phen-1,4-ylene and phen-1,3-ylene.

Hydroxy is —OH.

C₁-C₆-Alkoxy is a radical of the formula R—O—, wherein R is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6, in particular 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, 2-butoxy, iso-butoxy(2-methylpropoxy), tert.-butoxy pentyloxy, 1-methylbutoxy, 2-methylbutoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylpropoxy, 1-ethylpropoxy, hexyloxy, 1,1-dimethylpropoxy, 1,2-dimethylpropoxy, 1-methylpentyloxy, 2-methylpentyloxy, 3-methylpentyloxy, 4-methylpentyloxy, 1,1-dimethylbutyloxy, 1,2-dimethylbutyloxy, 1,3-dimethylbutyloxy, 2,2-dimethylbutyloxy, 2,3-dimethylbutyloxy, 3,3-dimethylbutyloxy, 1-ethylbutyloxy, 2-ethylbutyloxy, 1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1,2,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropoxy and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropoxy.

Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy is a straight-chain or branched alkoxy group having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4, in particular 1 or 2 carbon atoms, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms, such as in halogenomethoxy, dihalogenomethoxy, trihalogenomethoxy, (R)-1-halogenoethoxy, (S)-1-halogenoethoxy, 2-halogenoethoxy, 1,1-dihalogenoethoxy, 2,2-dihalogenoethoxy, 2,2,2-trihalogenoethoxy, (R)-1-halogenopropoxy, (S)-1-halogenopropoxy, 2-halogenopropoxy, 3-halogenopropoxy, 1,1-dihalogenopropoxy, 2,2-dihalogenopropoxy, 3,3-dihalogenopropoxy, 3,3,3-trihalogenopropoxy, (R)-2-halogeno-1-methylethoxy, (S)-2-halogeno-1-methylethoxy, (R)-2,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethoxy, (S)-2,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethoxy, (R)-1,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethoxy, (S)-1,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethoxy, (R)-2,2,2-trihalogeno-1-methylethoxy, (S)-2,2,2-trihalogeno-1-methylethoxy, 2-halogeno-1-(halogenomethyl)ethoxy, 1-(dihalogenomethyl)-2,2-dihalogenoethoxy, (R)-1-halogenobutoxy, (S)-1-halogenobutoxy, 2-halogenobutoxy, 3-halogenobutoxy, 4-halogenobutoxy, 1,1-dihalogenobutoxy, 2,2-dihalogenobutoxy, 3,3-dihalogenobutoxy, 4,4-dihalogenobutoxy, 4,4,4-trihalogenobutoxy, etc. Particular examples include the fluorinated C₁-C₄ alkoxy groups as defined, such as trifluoromethoxy.

C₁-C₆-Hydroxyalkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one or two hydrogen atoms are replaced by hydroxy. Examples include 2-hydroxyethoxy, 3-hydroxypropoxy, 2-hydroxypropoxy, 1-methyl-2-hydroxyethoxy and the like.

C₁-C₆-Alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one or two hydrogen atoms are replaced by one or two alkoxy radicals having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methoxymethoxy, 2-methoxyethoxy, 1-methoxyethoxy, 3-methoxypropoxy, 2-methoxypropoxy, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethoxy, ethoxymethoxy, 2-ethoxyethoxy, 1-ethoxyethoxy, 3-ethoxypropoxy, 2-ethoxypropoxy, 1-methyl-1-ethoxyethoxy and the like.

Amino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an amino group. Examples include 2-aminoethoxy.

C₁-C₆-Alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an alkylamino group having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylaminomethoxy, ethylaminomethoxy, n-propylaminomethoxy, iso-propylaminomethoxy, n-butylaminomethoxy, 2-butylaminomethoxy, iso-butylaminomethoxy, tert-butylaminomethoxy, 2-(methylamino)ethoxy, 2-(ethylamino)ethoxy, 2-(n-propylamino)ethoxy, 2-(iso-propylamino)ethoxy, 2-(n-butylamino)ethoxy, 2-(2-butylamino)ethoxy, 2-(iso-butylamino)ethoxy, 2-(tertbutylamino)ethoxy.

Di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a di-alkylamino group having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include dimethylaminomethoxy, diethylaminomethoxy, N-methyl-N-ethylamino)ethoxy, 2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy, 2-(diethylamino)ethoxy, 2-(N-methyl-N-ethylamino)ethoxy.

C₁-C₆-Alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an alkylcarbonylamino group wherein the alkyl group has from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylcarbonylaminomethoxy, ethylcarbonylaminomethoxy, n-propylcarbonylaminomethoxy, iso-propylcarbonylaminomethoxy, n-butylcarbonylaminomethoxy, 2-butylcarbonylaminomethoxy, iso-butylcarbonylaminomethoxy, tert-butylcarbonylaminomethoxy, 2-(methylcarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(ethylcarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(npropylcarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(iso-propylcarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(n-butylcarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(2-butylcarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(iso-butylcarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(tert-butylcarbonylamino)ethoxy.

C₆-C₁₂-Arylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino group as defined herein. Examples include 2-(benzoylamino)ethoxy.

C₁-C₆-Alkoxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an alkoxycarbonylamino group wherein the alkoxy group has from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methoxycarbonylaminomethoxy, ethoxycarbonylaminomethoxy, n-propoxycarbonylaminomethoxy, iso-propoxycarbonylaminomethoxy, n-butoxycarbonylaminomethoxy, 2-butoxycarbonylaminomethoxy, iso-butoxycarbonylaminomethoxy, tertbutoxycarbonylaminomethoxy, 2-(methoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(ethoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(n-propoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(iso-propoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(n-butoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(2-butoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(isobutoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy.

C₂-C₆-Alkenyloxy is a radical of the formula R—O—, wherein R is a straight-chain or branched alkenyl group having from 2 to 6, in particular 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples include vinyloxy, allyloxy (2-propen-1-yloxy), l-propen-1-yloxy, 2-propen-2-yloxy, methallyloxy (2-methylprop-2-en-1-yloxy) and the like. C₃-C₅-Alkenyloxy is, in particular, allyloxy, 1-methylprop-2-en-1-yloxy, 2-buten-1-yloxy, 3-buten-1-yloxy, methallyloxy, 2-penten-1-yloxy, 3-penten-1-yloxy, 4-penten-1-yloxy, 1-methylbut-2-en-1-yloxy or 2-ethylprop-2-en-1-yloxy.

C₆-C₁₂-Aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a C₆-C₁₂-aryl group as defined herein. Examples include benzyloxy.

C₁-C₆-Alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an alkylsulfonylamino group having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include 2-(methylsulfonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(ethylsulfonylamino)ethoxy, 2-[(2-methylpropyl)sulfonylamino]ethoxy.

(Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by an alkylsulfonylamino group having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein the alkyl group is halogenated. Examples include 2-(trifluoromethylsulfonylamino)ethoxy.

C₆-C₁₂-Arylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a C₆-C₂-arylsulfonylamino group as defined herein. Examples include 2-(phenylsulfonylamino)ethoxy, 2-(naphthylsulfonylamino)ethoxy.

(C₆-C₁₂-Aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino group, preferably by a (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₂-alkyl)sulfonylamino group. Examples include 2-(benzylsulfonylamino)ethoxy.

M₃-M₁₂-Heterocyclylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a M₃-M₁₂ heterocyclylsulfonylamino group as defined herein. Examples include 2-(pyridin-3-ylsulfonylamino)ethoxy.

M₃-M₁₂-Heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy is an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein, wherein one hydrogen atom is replaced by a M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl group as defined herein. Examples include 2-(N-pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy, 2-(N-morpholinyl)ethoxy and 2-(N-imidazolyl)ethoxy.

C₁-C₂-Alkylenedioxo is a radical of the formula —O—R—O—, wherein R is a straight-chain or branched alkylene group having from 1 or 2 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylenedioxo.

C₆-C₁₂-Aryloxy is a radical of the formula R—O—, wherein R is an aryl group having from 6 to 12, in particular 6 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include phenoxy.

M₃-M₁₂-Heterocyclyloxy is a radical of the formula R—O—, wherein R is a M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl group having from 3 to 12, in particular from 3 to 7 ring forming atoms (ring members) as defined herein. Examples include pyridin-2-yloxy.

C₁-C₆-Alkylthio is a radical of the formula R—S—, wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, butylthio, pentylthio, 1-methylbutylthio, 2-methylbutylthio, 3-methylbutylthio, 2,2-dimethylpropylthio, 1-ethylpropylthio, hexylthio, 1,1-dimethylpropylthio, 1,2-dimethylpropylthio, 1-methylpentylthio, 2-methylpentylthio, 3-methylpentylthio, 4-methylpentylthio, 1,1-dimethylbutylthio, 1,2-dimethylbutylthio, 1,3-dimethylbutylthio, 2,2-dimethylbutylthio, 2,3-dimethylbutylthio, 3,3-dimethylbutylthio, 1-ethylbutylthio, 2-ethylbutylthio, 1,1,2-trimethylpropylthio, 1,2,2-trimethylpropylthio, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl.

Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkylthio is a radical of the formula R—S—, wherein R is a halogenated alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include halogenomethylthio, dihalogenomethylthio, trihalogenomethylthio, (R)-1-halogenoethylthio, (S)-1-halogenoethylthio, 2-halogenoethylthio, 1,1-dihalogenoethylthio, 2,2-dihalogenoethylthio, 2,2,2-trihalogenoethylthio, (R)-1-halogenopropylthio, (S)-1-halogenopropylthio, 2-halogenopropylthio, 3-halogenopropylthio, 1,1-dihalogenopropylthio, 2,2-dihalogenopropylthio, 3,3-dihalogenopropylthio, 3,3,3-trihalogenopropylthio, (R)-2-halogeno-1-methylethylthio, (S)-2-halogeno-1-methylethylthio, (R)-2,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethylthio, (S)-2,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethylthio, (R)-1,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethylthio, (S)-1,2-dihalogeno-1-methylethylthio, (R)-2,2,2-trihalogeno-1-methylethylthio, (S)-2,2,2-trihalogeno-1-methylethylthio, 2-halogeno-1-(halogenomethyl)ethylthio, 1-(dihalogenomethyl)-2,2-dihalogenoethylthio, (R)-1-halogenobutylthio, (S)-1-halogenobutylthio, 2-halogenobutylthio, 3-halogenobutylthio, 4-halogenobutylthio, 1,1-dihalogenobutylthio, 2,2-dihalogenobutylthio, 3,3-dihalogenobutylthio, 4,4-dihalogenobutylthio, 4,4,4-trihalogenobutylthio, etc. Particular examples include the fluorinated C₁-C₄ alkylthio groups as defined, such as trifluoromethylthio.

C₁-C₆-Alkylsulfinyl is a radical of the formula R—S(O)—, wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, propylsulfinyl, butylsulfinyl, pentylsulfinyl, 1-methylbutylsulfinyl, 2-methylbutylsulfinyl, 3-methylbutylsulfinyl, 2,2-dimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1-ethylpropylsulfinyl, hexylsulfinyl, 1,1-dimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1,2-dimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1-methylpentylsulfinyl, 2-methylpentylsulfinyl, 3-methylpentylsulfinyl, 4-methylpentylsulfinyl, 1,1-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 1,2-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 1,3-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 2,2-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 2,3-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 3,3-dimethylbutylsulfinyl, 1-ethylbutylsulfinyl, 2-ethylbutylsulfinyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropylsulfinyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl.

C₁-C₆-Alkylsulfonyl is a radical of the formula R—S(O)₂—, wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, butylsulfonyl, pentylsulfonyl, 1-methylbutylsulfonyl, 2-methylbutylsulfonyl, 3-methylbutylsulfonyl, 2,2-dimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1-ethylpropylsulfonyl, hexylsulfonyl, 1,1-dimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1,2-dimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1-methylpentylsulfonyl, 2-methylpentylsulfonyl, 3-methylpentylsulfonyl, 4-methylpentylsulfonyl, 1,1-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 1,2-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 1,3-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 2,2-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 2,3-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 3,3-dimethylbutylsulfonyl, 1-ethylbutylsulfonyl, 2-ethylbutylsulfonyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropylsulfonyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl.

(Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonyl is a C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl as defined herein, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms.

C₆-C₁₂-Arylsulfonyl is a radical of the formula R—S(O)₂—, wherein R is an aryl radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include phenylsulfonyl.

(C₆-C₁₂-Aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl)sulfonyl is a radical of the formula R—S(O)₂—, wherein R is a C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl radical, in particular a C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₂-alkyl radical as defined herein. Examples include benzylsulfonyl.

M₃-M₁₂-Heterocyclylsulfonyl is a radical of the formula R—S(O)₂—, wherein R is M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl as defined herein.

Aminosulfonyl is NH₂—S(O)₂—.

C₁-C₆-Alkylaminosulfonyl is a radical of the formula R—NH—S(O)₂— wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylaminosulfonyl, ethylaminosulfonyl, n-propylaminosulfonyl, iso-propylaminosulfonyl, n-butylaminosulfonyl, 2-butylaminosulfonyl, iso-butylaminosulfonyl, tert-butylaminosulfonyl.

Di-C₁-C₆-alkylaminosulfonyl is a radical of the formula RR′N—S(O)₂— wherein R and R′ are independently of each other an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include dimethylaminosulfonyl, diethylaminosulfonyl, N-methyl-N-ethylaminosulfonyl.

C₆-C₁₂-Arylaminosulfonyl is a radical of the formula R—NH—S(O)₂— wherein R is an aryl radical having from 6 to 12, preferably 6 carbon atoms as defined herein.

Amino is NH₂.

C₁-C₆-Alkylamino is a radical of the formula R—NH— wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, in particular from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylamino, ethylamino, n-propylamino, iso-propylamino, n-butylamino, 2-butylamino, iso-butylamino, tertbutylamino.

(Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino is a C₁-C₆-alkylamino as defined herein, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms.

Di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino is a radical of the formula RR′N— wherein R and R′ are independently of each other an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, in particular from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include dimethylamino, diethylamino, N-methyl-N-ethylamino.

Di-(halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino is a di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino as defined herein, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms.

C₁-C₆-Alkylcarbonylamino is a radical of the formula R—C(O)—NH—, wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, in particular from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include acetamido (methylcarbonylamino), propionamido, n-butyramido, 2-methylpropionamido (isopropylcarbonylamino), 2,2-dimethylpropionamido and the like.

(Halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)carbonylamino is a C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino as defined herein, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms.

C₆-C₁₂-Arylcarbonylamino is a radical of the formula R—C(O)—NH—, wherein R is an aryl radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include phenylcarbonylamino.

C₂-C₆-Alkenylamino is a radical of the formula R—NH—, wherein R is a straight-chain or branched alkenyl group having from 2 to 6, in particular 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples include vinylamino, allylamino (2-propen-1-ylamino), 1-propen-1-ylamino, 2-propen-2-ylamino, methallylamino (2-methylprop-2-en-1-ylamino) and the like. C₃-C₅-Alkenylamino is, in particular, allylamino, 1-methylprop-2-en-1-ylamino, 2-buten-1-ylamino, 3-buten-1-ylamino, methallylamino, 2-penten-1-ylamino, 3-penten-1-ylamino, 4-penten-1-ylamino, 1-methylbut-2-en-1-ylamino or 2-ethylprop-2-en-1-ylamino.

C₁-C₆-Alkylsulfonylamino is a radical of the formula R—S(O)₂—NH—, wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6, in particular from 1 to 4 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include methylsulfonylamino, ethylsulfonylamino, n-propylsulfonylamino, iso-propylsulfonylamino, n-butylsulfonylamino, 2-butylsulfonylamino, iso-butylsulfonylamino, tert-butylsulfonylamino.

(Halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl)sulfonylamino is a C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino as defined herein, wherein at least one, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or all of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by 1, 2, 3, 4 or a corresponding number of identical or different halogen atoms.

C₆-C₁₂-Arylsulfonylamino is a radical of the formula R—S(O)₂—NH—, wherein R is an aryl radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms as defined herein. Examples include phenylsulfonylamino.

Nitro is —NO₂.

M₃-M₁₂-Heterocyclyl is a 3- to 12-membered heterocyclic radical including a saturated heterocyclic radical, which generally has 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 ring forming atoms (ring members), an unsaturated non-aromatic heterocyclic radical, which generally has 5, 6 or 7 ring forming atoms, and a heteroaromatic radical (hetaryl), which generally has 5, 6 or 7 ring forming atoms. The heterocyclic radicals may be bound via a carbon atom (C-bound) or a nitrogen atom (N-bound). Preferred heterocyclic radicals comprise 1 nitrogen atom as ring member atom and optionally 1, 2 or 3 further heteroatoms as ring members, which are selected, independently of each other from O, S and N. Likewise preferred heterocyclic radicals comprise 1 heteroatom as ring member, which is selected from O, S and N, and optionally 1, 2 or 3 further nitrogen atoms as ring members.

Examples of M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl include:

C- or N-bound 3-4-membered, saturated rings, such as

-   2-oxiranyl, 2-oxetanyl, 3-oxetanyl, 2-aziridinyl, 3-thiethanyl,     1-azetidinyl, 2-azetidinyl, 3-azetidinyl;

C-bound, 5-membered, saturated rings, such as

-   tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, tetrahydrothien-2-yl,     tetrahydrothien-3-yl, tetrahydropyrrol-2-yl, tetrahydropyrrol-3-yl,     tetrahydropyrazol-3-yl, tetrahydro-pyrazol-4-yl,     tetrahydroisoxazol-3-yl, tetrahydroisoxazol-4-yl,     tetrahydroisoxazol-5-yl, 1,2-oxathiolan-3-yl, 1,2-oxathiolan-4-yl,     1,2-oxathiolan-5-yl, tetrahydroisothiazol-3-yl,     tetrahydroisothiazol-4-yl, tetrahydroisothiazol-5-yl,     1,2-dithiolan-3-yl, 1,2-dithiolan-4-yl, tetrahydroimidazol-2-yl,     tetrahydroimidazol-4-yl, tetrahydrooxazol-2-yl,     tetrahydrooxazol-4-yl, tetrahydrooxazol-5-yl,     tetrahydrothiazol-2-yl, tetrahydrothiazol-4-yl,     tetrahydrothiazol-5-yl, 1,3-dioxolan-2-yl, 1,3-dioxolan-4-yl,     1,3-oxathiolan-2-yl, 1,3-oxathiolan-4-yl, 1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl,     1,3-dithiolan-2-yl, 1,3-dithiolan-4-yl, 1,3,2-dioxathiolan-4-yl;

C-bound, 6-membered, saturated rings, such as

-   tetrahydropyran-2-yl, tetrahydropyran-3-yl, tetrahydropyran-4-yl,     piperidin-2-yl, piperidin-3-yl, piperidin-4-yl,     tetrahydrothiopyran-2-yl, tetrahydrothiopyran-3-yl,     tetrahydrothiopyran-4-yl, 1,3-dioxan-2-yl, 1,3-dioxan-4-yl,     1,3-dioxan-5-yl, 1,4-dioxan-2-yl, 1,3-dithian-2-yl,     1,3-dithian-4-yl, 1,3-dithian-5-yl, 1,4-dithian-2-yl,     1,3-oxathian-2-yl, 1,3-oxathian-4-yl, 1,3-oxathian-5-yl,     1,3-oxathian-6-yl, 1,4-oxathian-2-yl, 1,4-oxathian-3-yl,     1,2-dithian-3-yl, 1,2-dithian-4-yl, hexahydropyrimidin-2-yl,     hexahydropyrimidin-4-yl, hexahydropyrimidin-5-yl,     hexahydropyrazin-2-yl, hexahydropyridazin-3-yl,     hexahydropyridazin-4-yl, tetrahydro-1,3-oxazin-2-yl,     tetrahydro-1,3-oxazin-4-yl, tetrahydro-1,3-oxazin-5-yl,     tetrahydro-1,3-oxazin-6-yl, tetrahydro-1,3-thiazin-2-yl,     tetrahydro-1,3-thiazin-4-yl, tetrahydro-1,3-thiazin-5-yl,     tetrahydro-1,3-thiazin-6-yl, tetrahydro-1,4-thiazin-2-yl,     tetrahydro-1,4-thiazin-3-yl, tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-2-yl,     tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-3-yl, tetrahydro-1,2-oxazin-3-yl,     tetrahydro-1,2-oxazin-4-yl, tetrahydro-1,2-oxazin-5-yl,     tetrahydro-1,2-oxazin-6-yl;

N-bound, 5-membered, saturated rings, such as

-   tetrahydropyrrol-1-yl (pyrrolidin-1-yl), tetrahydropyrazol-1-yl,     tetrahydroisoxazol-2-yl, tetrahydroisothiazol-2-yl,     tetrahydroimidazol-1-yl, tetrahydrooxazol-3-yl,     tetrahydrothiazol-3-yl;

N-bound, 6-membered, saturated rings, such as

-   piperidin-1-yl, hexahydropyrimidin-1-yl, hexahydropyrazin-1-yl     (piperazin-1-yl), hexahydropyridazin-1-yl,     tetrahydro-1,3-oxazin-3-yl, tetrahydro-1,3-thiazin-3-yl,     tetrahydro-1,4-thiazin-4-yl, tetrahydro-1,4-oxazin-4-yl     (morpholin-1-yl), tetrahydro-1,2-oxazin-2-yl;

C-bound, 5-membered, partially unsaturated rings, such as

-   2,3-dihydrofuran-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrofuran-3-yl, 2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl,     2,5-di-hydrofuran-3-yl, 4,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl,     4,5-dihydrofuran-3-yl, 2,3-dihydro-thien-2-yl,     2,3-dihydrothien-3-yl, 2,5-dihydrothien-2-yl, 2,5-dihydrothien-3-yl,     4,5-dihydrothien-2-yl, 4,5-dihydrothien-3-yl,     2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl, 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-3-yl,     2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl, 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-3-yl,     4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl, 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-3-yl,     3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-yl, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-3-yl,     3,4-dihydro-5H-pyrrol-2-yl, 3,4-dihydro-5H-pyrrol-3-yl,     4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl, 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl,     4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-5-yl, 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl,     2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-5-yl,     4,5-dihydroisoxazol-3-yl, 4,5-dihydroisoxazol-4-yl,     4,5-dihydroisoxazol-5-yl, 2,5-dihydroisoxazol-3-yl,     2,5-dihydroisoxazol-4-yl, 2,5-dihydroisoxazol-5-yl,     2,3-dihydroisoxazol-3-yl, 2,3-dihydroisoxazol-4-yl,     2,3-dihydroisoxazol-5-yl, 4,5-dihydroisothiazol-3-yl,     4,5-dihydroisothiazol-4-yl, 4,5-dihydroisothiazol-5-yl,     2,5-dihydroisothiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydroisothiazol-4-yl,     2,5-dihydroisothiazol-5-yl, 2,3-dihydroisothiazol-3-yl,     2,3-dihydroisothiazol-4-yl, 2,3-dihydroisothiazol-5-yl,     4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl, 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl,     4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-yl, 2,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl,     2,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl, 2,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-yl,     2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl, 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl,     4,5-dihydro-oxazol-2-yl, 4,5-dihydrooxazol-4-yl,     4,5-dihydrooxazol-5-yl, 2,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl,     2,5-dihydrooxazol-4-yl, 2,5-dihydrooxazol-5-yl,     2,3-dihydrooxazol-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-4-yl,     2,3-dihydrooxazol-5-yl, 4,5-dihydrothiazol-2-yl,     4,5-dihydrothiazol-4-yl, 4,5-dihydrothiazol-5-yl,     2,5-dihydrothiazol-2-yl, 2,5-dihydrothiazol-4-yl,     2,5-dihydrothiazol-5-yl, 2,3-dihydrothiazol-2-yl,     2,3-dihydrothiazol-4-yl, 2,3-dihydrothiazol-5-yl, 1,3-dioxol-2-yl,     1,3-dioxol-4-yl, 1,3-dithiol-2-yl, 1,3-dithiol-4-yl,     1,3-oxathiol-2-yl, 1,3-oxathiol-4-yl, 1,3-oxathiol-5-yl;

C-bound, 6-membered, partially unsaturated rings, such as

-   2H-3,4-dihydropyran-6-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydropyran-5-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydropyran-4-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydropyran-3-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydropyran-2-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydrothiopyran-6-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydrothiopyran-5-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydrothiopyran-4-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydrothiopyran-3-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydrothiopyran-2-yl,     1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-6-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-5-yl,     1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetra-hydropyridin-3-yl,     1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-2-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydropyran-2-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydropyran-3-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydropyran-4-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydropyran-5-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydropyran-6-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydrothiopyran-2-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydrothiopyran-3-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydrothiopyran-4-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydrothiopyran-5-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydrothiopyran-6-yl, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-2-yl,     1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-3-yl, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl,     1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-5-yl, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-6-yl,     2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-2-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetra-hydropyridin-3-yl,     2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-5-yl,     2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-6-yl, 4H-pyran-2-yl, 4H-pyran-3-yl-,     4H-pyran-4-yl, 4H-thiopyran-2-yl, 4H-thiopyran-3-yl,     4H-thiopyran-4-yl, 1,4-dihydropyridin-2-yl, 1,4-dihydropyridin-3-yl,     1,4-dihydropyridin-4-yl, 2H-pyran-2-yl, 2H-pyran-3-yl,     2H-pyran-4-yl, 2H-pyran-5-yl, 2H-pyran-6-yl, 2H-thiopyran-2-yl,     2H-thiopyran-3-yl, 2H-thiopyran-4-yl, 2H-thiopyran-5-yl,     2H-thiopyran-6-yl, 1,2-dihydropyridin-2-yl,     1,2-dihydro-pyridin-3-yl, 1,2-dihydropyridin-4-yl,     1,2-dihydropyridin-5-yl, 1,2-dihydro-pyridin-6-yl,     3,4-dihydropyridin-2-yl, 3,4-dihydropyridin-3-yl,     3,4-dihydro-pyridin-4-yl, 3,4-dihydropyridin-5-yl,     3,4-dihydropyridin-6-yl, 2,5-dihydropyridin-2-yl,     2,5-dihydropyridin-3-yl, 2,5-dihydropyridin-4-yl,     2,5-dihydropyridin-5-yl, 2,5-dihydropyridin-6-yl,     2,3-dihydropyridin-2-yl, 2,3-dihydropyridin-3-yl,     2,3-dihydropyridin-4-yl, 2,3-dihydropyridin-5-yl,     2,3-dihydropyridin-6-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-3-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-4-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-5-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-6-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-3-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-4-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-5-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-6-yl, 4H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-3-yl,     4H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-4-yl, 4H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-5-yl,     4H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-6-yl, 4H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-3-yl,     4H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-4-yl, 4H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-5-yl,     4H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-6-yl, 2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-3-yl,     2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-4-yl, 2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-5-yl,     2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-6-yl, 2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-3-yl,     2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-4-yl, 2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-5-yl,     2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-6-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-3-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-4-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-5-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-6-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-3-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-4-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-5-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-6-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridazin-3-yl,     2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridazin-4-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridazin-5-yl,     2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridazin-6-yl, 3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-3-yl,     3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-4-yl, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-3-yl,     1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-4-yl, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-5-yl,     1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-6-yl, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridazin-3-yl,     1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridazin-4-yl, 4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-oxazin-2-yl,     4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-oxazin-4-yl, 4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-oxazin-5-yl,     4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-oxazin-6-yl, 4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-thiazin-2-yl,     4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-thiazin-4-yl, 4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-thiazin-5-yl,     4H-5,6-dihydro-1,3-thiazin-6-yl, 3,4,5-6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-yl,     3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-yl, 3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-5-yl,     3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-6-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazin-2-yl,     1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazin-5-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-pyrimidin-2-yl,     1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-5-yl,     1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-6-yl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiazin-2-yl,     2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiazin-3-yl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiazin-5-yl,     2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiazin-6-yl, 2H-1,3-oxazin-2-yl,     2H-1,3-oxazin-4-yl, 2H-1,3-oxazin-5-yl, 2H-1,3-oxazin-6-yl,     2H-1,3-thiazin-2-yl, 2H-1,3-thiazin-4-yl, 2H-1,3-thiazin-5-yl,     2H-1,3-thiazin-6-yl, 4H-1,3-oxazin-2-yl, 4H-1,3-oxazin-4-yl,     4H-1,3-oxazin-5-yl, 4H-1,3-oxazin-6-yl, 4H-1,3-thiazin-2-yl,     4H-1,3-thiazin-4-yl, 4H-1,3-thiazin-5-yl, 4H-1,3-thiazin-6-yl,     6H-1,3-oxazin-2-yl, 6H-1,3-oxazin-4-yl, 6H-1,3-oxazin-5-yl,     6H-1,3-oxazin-6-yl, 6H-1,3-thiazin-2-yl, 6H-1,3-oxazin-4-yl,     6H-1,3-oxazin-5-yl, 6H-1,3-thiazin-6-yl, 2H-1,4-oxazin-2-yl,     2H-1,4-oxazin-3-yl, 2H-1,4-oxazin-5-yl, 2H-1,4-oxazin-6-yl,     2H-1,4-thiazin-2-yl, 2H-1,4-thiazin-3-yl, 2H-1,4-thiazin-5-yl,     2H-1,4-thiazin-6-yl, 4H-1,4-oxazin-2-yl, 4H-1,4-oxazin-3-yl,     4H-1,4-thiazin-2-yl, 4H-1,4-thiazin-3-yl, 1,4-dihydropyridazin-3-yl,     1,4-dihydropyridazin-4-yl, 1,4-dihydropyridazin-5-yl,     1,4-dihydropyridazin-6-yl, 1,4-dihydropyrazin-2-yl,     1,2-dihydropyrazin-2-yl, 1,2-dihydropyrazin-3-yl,     1,2-dihydropyrazin-5-yl, 1,2-dihydropyrazin-6-yl,     1,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-yl, 1,4-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl,     1,4-dihydropyrimidin-5-yl, 1,4-dihydropyrimidin-6-yl,     3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl,     3,4-dihydropyrimidin-5-yl or 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-6-yl;

N-bound, 5-membered, partially unsaturated rings, such as

-   2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl, 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl,     4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl, 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl,     2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl, 2,5-dihydroisoxazol-2-yl,     2,3-dihydroisoxazol-2-yl, 2,5-dihydroisothiazol-2-yl,     2,3-dihydroisoxazol-2-yl, 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl,     2,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl, 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl,     2,3-dihydrooxazol-3-yl, 2,3-dihydrothiazol-3-yl;

N-bound, 6-membered, partially unsaturated rings, such as

-   1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl,     1,4-dihydro-pyridin-1-yl, 1,2-dihydropyridin-1-yl,     2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-2-yl, 2H-5,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-2-yl,     2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-2-yl, 2H-3,6-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-2-yl,     2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-oxazin-2-yl, 2H-3,4-dihydro-1,2-thiazin-2-yl,     2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridazin-2-yl, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-1-yl,     1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-2-yl, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridazin-1-yl,     3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazin-1-yl,     1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl,     2,3-dihdro-1,4-thiazin-4-yl, 2H-1,2-oxazin-2-yl,     2H-1,2-thiazin-2-yl, 4H-1,4-oxazin-4-yl, 4H-1,4-thiazin-4-yl,     1,4-dihydropyridazin-1-yl, 1,4-dihydropyrazin-1-yl,     1,2-dihydropyrazin-1-yl, 1,4-dihydropyrimidin-1-yl or     3,4-dihydropyrimidin-3-yl;

C-bound, 5-membered, heteroaromatic rings, such as

-   2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, pyrrol-2-yl, pyrrol-3-yl,     pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl, isoxazol-3-yl, isoxazol-4-yl,     isoxazol-5-yl, isothiazol-3-yl, isothiazol-4-yl, isothiazol-5-yl,     imidazol-2-yl, imidazol-4-yl, oxazol-2-yl, oxazol-4-yl, oxazol-5-yl,     thiazol-2-yl, thiazol-4-yl, thiazol-5-yl, 1,2,3-oxadiazol-4-yl,     1,2,3-oxadiazol-5-yl, 1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, 1,2,4,-oxadiazol-5-yl,     1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl, 1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl,     1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl, 1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl,     1,3,4-thiadiazolyl-2-yl, 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl,     tetrazol-5-yl;

C-bound, 6-membered, heteroaromatic rings, such as

-   pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl, pyridin-4-yl (4-pyridyl),     pyridazin-3-yl, pyridazin-4-yl, pyrimidin-2-yl, pyrimidin-4-yl,     pyrimidin-5-yl, pyrazin-2-yl, 1,3,5-triazin-2-yl,     1,2,4-triazin-3-yl, 1,2,4-triazin-5-yl, 1,2,4-triazin-6-yl,     1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl;

N-bound, 5-membered, heteroaromatic rings, such as

-   pyrrol-1-yl, pyrazol-1-yl, imidazol-1-yl, 1,2,3-triazol-1-yl,     1,2,4-triazol-1-yl, tetrazol-1-yl.

Heterocyclyl also includes bicyclic heterocycles, which comprise one of the described 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic rings and a further anellated, saturated or unsaturated or aromatic carbocycle, such as a benzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexene or cyclohexadiene ring, or a further anellated 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, this heterocyclic ring being saturated or unsaturated or aromatic. These include quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzofuryl, benzthienyl, benzo[b]thiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzodioxol, benzthiazolyl and benzimidazolyl. Examples of 5- or 6-membered heteroaromatic compounds comprising an anellated cycloalkenyl ring include dihydroindolyl, dihydroindolizinyl, dihydroisoindolyl, dihydroquinolinyl, dihydroisoquinolinyl, chromenyl and chromanyl.

M₃-M₁₂-Heteroarylene is a heteroaryl diradical. Examples include pyrid-2,5-ylene and pyrid-2,4-ylene.

With respect to the compounds' capability of inhibiting glycine transporter 1, the variables R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, A, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ have in particular the following meanings which, when taken alone or in combination, represent particular embodiments of the compounds of the formula (I) or any other formula disclosed herein.

In said formula (I), there may be one or more than one substituent R², R³, R⁶ and one or more than one substituent

More particularly, there may be up to 3 substituents R², up to 4 substituents R³, and up to 6 substituents R⁶. Preferably, there is one substituent

and 1, 2 or 3 substituents R². Formula (I) may thus be depicted as follows:

wherein A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³ and R⁵ are as defined herein, a is 1, 2 or 3, b is 1, 2, 3 or 4, c is 1 and d is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. If there is more than one radical R², these may be the same or different radicals. If there is more than one radical R³, these may be the same or different radicals. If there is more than one radical R⁶, these may be the same or different radicals. According to one embodiment, a is 1, b is 1 or 2, c is 1, and d is 1 or 2.

In the following the radical

is also referred to as R.

A is a 5- or 6-membered ring which includes two carbon atoms from the tetrahydropyrane, tetrahydrothiopyrane and tetrahydropyridine moiety to which A is fused. A may be a homocyclic or heterocyclic ring. The ring may be saturated, unsaturated non-aromatic or aromatic. According to a particular embodiment, A is a benzene ring. As a heterocyclic ring, A may include 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms as ring member atoms, which are selected, independently of each other from N, S and O. Preferred heterocyclic rings comprise 1 nitrogen atom as ring member atom and optionally 1 or 2 further heteroatoms as ring members, which are selected, independently of each other from O, S and N. Likewise preferred heterocyclic rings comprise 1 heteroatom as ring member atom, which is selected from O, S and N, and optionally 1 or 2 further nitrogen atoms as ring member atoms. According to a particular embodiment, A is a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of the following 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic rings:

In said formulae, hydrogen atoms are not depicted. This is meant to illustrate that the free valency of a carbon or nitrogen atom may be either bound to a hydrogen atom, to R or to R². Accordingly, R and R² may be C- or N-bound at any position of ring A.

The skilled person will appreciate that some of the rings depicted above may be represented with a different structure, e.g. with hydrogen atoms having other positions than those shown above, for instance as given in the following structures:

Preferably, A is a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of the following 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic rings:

If ring A is a 5-membered heterocyclic ring it is preferred that R is bound to G¹ or G², in particular G²:

In said formula, G¹, G² and G³ independently are —CH═, —CH₂—, —N═, —NH—, S or O, at least one of G¹, G² and G³ is —CH═ or —CH₂—, the dotted line represents a single or a double bond and m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

If ring A is 6-membered heterocyclic ring it is preferred that R is bound to G¹ or G², in particular G²:

In said formula, G¹, G², G³ and G⁴ independently are —CH═, —CH₂—, —N═, —NH—, S or O, at least one of G¹, G², G³ and G⁴ is —CH═ or —CH₂—, the dotted line represents a single or a double bond and m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

Heterocyclic compounds having the following partial structures are preferred:

Heterocyclic compounds having the following partial structures are particularly preferred:

In said formulae, R and R² are as defined herein. If there is more than one radical R², these may be the same or different radicals.

R¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl or n-pentyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl or cyclohexylmethyl), halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. 3-fluoroprop-1-yl, 3-choroprop-1-yl or 3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-yl), tri(C₁-C₄-alkyl)-silyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. trimethylsilylethyl), hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. ethoxyethyl), amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkyloxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, (optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl or cyclobutyl), C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)aminocarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl (e.g. prop-1,2-en-1-yl), C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl (e.g. phenyl, 2-methylphenyl), hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy (e.g. tert-butyloxy), halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxy, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyloxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino (e.g. dimethylamino), di-(halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)carbonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. 3-pyridyl, 2-pyridyl, 2-thienyl, 4-methyl-2-thienyl, 5-methyl-2-thienyl, 5-chloro-2-thienyl, 2,5-dimethyl-3-thienyl, 1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1,3-dimethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1, 1-ethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-difluormethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 2-methyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl, 2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl, 3-pyrrolidinyl, 1-methyl-pyrrol-3-yl, 2-pyridyl, 1-methyl-1,2-diazol-3-yl, 1-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1,2-dimethyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl, 5-methylisoxazol-3-yl, 1-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 1-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, furan-3-yl, 5-methyl-furan-2-yl, 2,5-dimethyl-furan-3-yl, 3-methyl-piperidinyl, thiophen-2-yl, 4-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, thiophen-3-yl, or morpholin-4-yl).

Preferably, R¹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, n-butyl or n-pentyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl or cyclohexylmethyl), halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. 3-fluoroprop-1-yl, 3-chloroprop-1-yl or 3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-yl), tri-(C₁-C₄-alkyl)-silyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. trimethylsilylethyl), C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. ethoxyethyl), amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkyloxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl or cyclobutyl), C₂-C₆-alkenyl (e.g. prop-1,2-en-1-yl), optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl (e.g. phenyl), hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. 3-pyridyl, 2-pyridyl, 2-thienyl, 4-methyl-2-thienyl, 5-methyl-2-thienyl, 5-chloro-2-thienyl, 2,5-dimethyl-3-thienyl, 1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1,3-dimethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-difluormethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 2-methyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl, 2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl, 1-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 3-pyrrolidinyl, furan-3-yl, 5-methyl-furan-2-yl, 2,5-dimethyl-furan-3-yl, 3-methyl-piperidinyl, thiophen-2-yl, 4-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, thiophen-3-yl, or morpholin-4-yl).

More preferably, R¹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, 2-butyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclobutyl), or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. 3-pyridyl, 2-pyridyl, 1-methyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1,3-dimethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 3-oxetanyl, 1-methyl-pyrrol-3-yl, furan-3-yl, 5-methyl-furan-2-yl, 2,5-dimethyl-furan-3-yl, 3-methyl-piperidinyl, thiophen-2-yl, 4-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, thiophen-3-yl, or morpholin-4-yl).

According to a particular embodiment, R¹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, 2-butyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl), or C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclobutyl).

In connection with R¹, substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl in particular includes C₆-C₁₂-aryl, such as phenyl or naphthyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, amino, C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄-dialkylamino, morpholinyl and piperidinyl. The same applies to substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl in substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl.

In connection with R¹, substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl in particular includes M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, such as pyridyl, thienyl, diazolyl, quinolinyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl or morpholinyl, pyrrolyl, isoxazolyl and triazolyl being further examples of such M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, amino, C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄-dialkylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylamino and M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g., morpholinyl or piperidinyl). The same applies to substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl in substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl.

W is —NR⁷— or a bond. Y is —NR⁸— or a bond. According to one embodiment, W is —NR⁷— and Y is a bond. According to an alternative embodiment, W is a bond and Y is —NR⁸—. According to a further alternative embodiment, W is a bond and Y is a bond, especially if R¹ is a nitrogen-bound radical, e.g. nitrogen-bound heterocyclyl such as piperazinyl or morpholinyl.

Q is —S(O)₂— or —C(O)—. According to one embodiment, Q is —S(O)₂—, especially if Y is —NR⁸—. According to a preferred embodiment, -Q-Y— is —S(O)₂—NR⁸—.

According to a particular embodiment, —W-A¹-Q-Y— is —W-A¹-S(O)₂—NR⁸—, —NR⁷—S(O)₂—, -A¹-S(O)₂— or —S(O)₂—. According to a further particular embodiment, —W-A¹-Q-Y— is —W-A¹-CO—NR⁸— or —NR⁷—CO—.

A¹ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene or a bond. In connection with A¹, substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene in particular includes C₁-C₄-alkylene substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and cyano. Preferably, A¹ is a bond. If A¹ is C₁-C₄-alkylene, W is preferably NR⁷—.

According to a particular embodiment, R¹—W-A¹-Q-Y— is R¹—S(O)₂—NH—, R¹—NH—S(O)₂—, R¹—C(O)NH— or R¹—NH—C(O)—.

According to a further particular embodiment, W is a bond and A¹ is a bond.

The index n1 is 0, 1, 2, or 3. Preferably, n1 is 1, 2 or 3. In particular, n1 is 1 or 2.

The index n2 is 0, 1, 2, or 3. Preferably, n2 is 1, 2, or 3. In particular, n2 is 1 or 2.

According to a particular embodiment, at least one of n1 and n2 is 1, 2, or 3.

The following examples of cyclic moieties illustrate combinations of n1 and n2:

wherein X¹ and R⁶ are as defined herein.

According to a further particular embodiment, the sum of n1 and n2 is 2, 3, or 4.

According to a further particular embodiment, combinations of n1 and n2 include n1=1, n2=1; n1=1, n2=2; n1=2, n2=1; n1=2, n2=2; n1=1, n2=3; or n1=3, n2=1.

According to one embodiment, X¹ is >N—. According to an alternative embodiment, X¹ is >CH—.

The following examples of cyclic moieties illustrate preferred combinations of n1, n2 and X¹:

wherein R⁶ is as defined herein.

More preferred combinations of n1, n2 and X¹ include cyclic moieties where

n1 is 1, n2 is 1 and X¹ is ->N—; n1 is 1, n2 is 1 and X¹ is >CH—; n1 is 1, n2 is 2 and X¹ is ->N—; n1 is 1, n2 is 2 and X¹ is >CH—; n1 is 2, n2 is 1 and X¹ is ->N—; n1 is 2, n2 is 1 and X¹ is >CH—; n1 is 2, n2 is 2 and X¹ is ->N—, n1 is 2, n2 is 2 and X¹ is >CH—; n1 is 1, n2 is 3 and X¹ is ->N—; n1 is 1, n2 is 3 and X¹ is >CH—; n1 is 3, n2 is 1 and X¹ is ->N—; or n1 is 3, n2 is 1 and X¹ is >CH—.

The cyclic moieties may thus be depicted by the following formulae:

wherein R⁶ is as defined herein.

Particularly preferred combinations of n1, n2 and X¹ include cyclic moieties where n1 is 1, n2 is 1 and X¹ is ->N— (azetidinyl); or n1 is 1, n2 is 1 and X¹ is >CH— (cyclobutyl).

The substituents R¹—W-A¹-Q-Y— and -A on the cyclic moiety can be cis- or trans-configuration as depicted by the following formula:

wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹ and A are as defined herein.

According to a particular embodiment, the substituents R¹—W-A¹-Q-Y— and -A are in trans-configuration.

In formula (I), there may be one or more than one radical R⁶. More particularly, there may be up to 6 radicals R⁶. Preferably, there may be up to 4 radical R⁶. In particular, there may be one or 2 radicals R⁶. If there is more than one radical R⁶, these may be the same or different radicals. The compounds of the invention may therefore be represented by the following formula:

wherein R^(6a), R^(6b), R^(6c), R^(6d), R^(6e) independently have one of the meanings given for R⁶, and A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, X¹, n1, n2, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein (with X¹ being >N— or >CR^(6f)- and R^(6f) having one of the meanings given for R⁶).

According to a particular embodiment, the compounds of the invention have the following formula:

wherein R^(6e) has one of the meanings given for R⁶, and A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, X¹, n1, n2, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

R⁶ is hydrogen, halogen (e.g. fluorine), C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl), halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. 1,1,1-trifluorometh-1-yl), —CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy (e.g. methoxy), or halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy.

According to an alternative embodiment, two R⁶ together with the carbon atom to which they are bound may form a carbonyl.

The following examples of cyclic moieties illustrate combinations of n1, n2 and R⁶, wherein two R⁶ together with the carbon atom to which they are bound form a carbonyl:

The following examples of cyclic moieties illustrate particular combinations of n1, n2 and R⁶, wherein two R⁶ together with the carbon atom to which they are bound form a carbonyl:

The following examples of cyclic moieties illustrate preferred combinations of n1, n2, X¹ and R⁶, wherein two R⁶ together with the carbon atom to which they are bound form a carbonyl.

Preferably, R⁶ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl). In particular, R⁶ is hydrogen.

If A is a benzene ring, the radical

may, in principle, be bound to the 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-position of the skeleton of the compounds of the invention:

In said formulae, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, X¹, n1, n2, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

Compounds of the invention having the radical

in the 5-, 6-, 7-position are preferred.

Particularly preferred are compounds of the invention having the radical

in the 6-position.

In addition to the radical

the compounds of the invention may have one or more than one further substituent bound to the ring A. In these positions, the skeleton of the compounds of the invention may thus be substituted with one or more than one radical R². If there is more than one radical R², these may be the same or different radicals. In particular, the skeleton of the compounds of the invention may be substituted with one or more than one radical R² in 5-, 6-, 7- and/or 8-position if A is a benzene ring. The compounds of the invention may therefore be represented by one of the following formulae:

wherein R^(2a), R^(2b), R^(2c), R^(2d) independently have one of the meanings given for R², and R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, X¹, n1, n2, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

R² is hydrogen, halogen (e.g. fluorine), C₁-C₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CN, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyloxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, C₂-C₆-alkenylamino, nitro or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, or two radicals R² together with the ring atoms of A to which they are bound form a 5- or 6 membered ring.

An optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring that is formed by two radicals R² together with the ring atoms of A to which they are bound is, for instance, a benzene ring.

In connection with R², substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl in particular includes C₆-C₁₂-aryl, such as phenyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

In connection with R², substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl in particular includes M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, such as morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl and piperidinyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

Preferably, R² is hydrogen, halogen (e.g. fluorine), CN or C₁-C₆-alkoxy. In particular, R² is hydrogen or halogen (e.g. fluorine).

According to a particular embodiment, the compounds of the invention have one of the following formulae:

wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³ and R⁵ are as defined herein. m is 0 or 1. Preferably, m is 1.

In 2-, 3- and/or 4-position, the compounds of the invention may be substituted with one or more than one radical R³. If there is more than one radical R³, these may be the same or different radicals. The compounds of the invention may therefore be represented by the following formula:

wherein R^(3a), R^(3b), R^(3c), R^(3d) independently have one of the meanings given for R³, and A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

According to a particular embodiment, the compounds of the invention have one of the following formulae:

wherein R^(3a), R^(3b), R^(3d) independently have the meaning of R³ and A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein.

R³ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, or two radicals R³ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl group.

Preferably, R³ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl). In particular, R³ is hydrogen.

Y¹ is a bond or optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene (e.g. methylene or 1,2-ethylene). In connection with Y¹, substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene in particular includes C₁-C₄-alkylene substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl and cyano. In particular, Y¹ is a bond.

R^(4a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl), halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. 2-fluoroethyl or 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl), hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CH₂CN, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. benzyl), optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl or cyclobutyl), —CHO, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl (e.g. methylcarbonyl, ethylcarbonyl or isopropylcarbonyl), (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)carbonyl (e.g. fluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoromethylcarbonyl, trifluoromethylcarbonyl, 1,1,1-trifluoroeth-2-ylcarbonyl or 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-3-ylcarbonyl), C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonyl (e.g. phenylcarbonyl), C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl (e.g. ethoxycarbonyl or tert-butyloxycarbonyl), C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl (e.g. phenoxycarbonyl), C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NHCN, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonyl, amino, —NO or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. 3-oxetanyl).

In connection with R^(4a), substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl in particular includes C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or cyclohexyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino and M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl.

In connection with R^(4a), substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl in particular includes M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl substituted with 1 or more substituents R^(4g) and/or R^(4b′). The compounds of the invention may therefore be represented by the following formula:

wherein A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², in, R³, Y¹, R^(4b), X², X³ and R⁵ are as defined herein,

R^(4b′) is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, tri(C₁-C₄-alkyl)-silyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-aryl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkyloxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, (optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)aminocarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, cyano; hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxy, C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyloxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-(halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amxino, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamxino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)carbonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino or optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyl,

R^(4g) is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, tri(C₁-C₄-alkyl)-silyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkyloxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, (optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)aminocarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, cyano, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxy, C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyloxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-(halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)carbonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino or optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyl,

the index q is 1, 2 or 3; and in particular, q is 1 or 2,

the index r is 1, 2 or 3; and in particular, r is 1 or 2,

X⁴ is —O—, —NR¹⁷—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, or a bond and preferable, X⁴ is —O— or a bond, and

R¹⁷ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl. Preferably, R¹⁷ is hydrogen.

Particular combinations of q and r include moieties wherein q is 1 and r is 1, or q is 2 and r is 1.

Particular combinations of q, r and X⁴ include moieties where q is 1, r is 1 and X⁴ is —O— (oxetanyl); q is 1, r is 1 and X⁴ is a bond (cyclopropyl); or q is 2, r is 1 and X⁴ is a bond (cyclobutyl).

According to a preferred embodiment, R^(4b′) is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂ aryl, cyano, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyloxy or optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyl.

According to a particular embodiment, R^(4b′) is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-aryl, cyano, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy or C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy.

According to a preferred embodiment, R^(4g) is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, cyano or optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-heterocyclyl.

According to a particular embodiment, R^(4g) is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-aryl, cyano or C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy.

It is in particular preferred if R^(4g) is an electron withdrawing group.

In connection with R^(4a) substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl in particular includes C₁-C₆-alkyl, especially C₁-C₄-alkyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino and M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. morpholinyl or piperidinyl).

Preferably, R^(4a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, 2-methyl-but-4-yl, or 2-methyl-prop-3-yl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, 1-cyclopropyl-eth-2-yl, 1-cyclopentyl-eth-2-yl, or cyclohexylmethyl), halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. 2-fluoroethyl or 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl), amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CH₂CN, C₆-C₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. benzyl), optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl or cyclobutyl), C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl (e.g. methylcarbonyl or isopropylcarbonyl), (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)carbonyl (e.g. fluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoromethylcarbonyl or trifluoromethylcarbonyl), C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonyl (e.g. phenylcarbonyl), C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl (e.g. ethoxycarbonyl or tert-butyloxycarbonyl), C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl (e.g. phenoxycarbonyl), —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NHCN, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, amino, —NO or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. 3-oxetanyl).

More preferably, R^(4a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, 2-methyl-but-4-yl, or 2-methyl-prop-3-yl), optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl or cyclobutyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, 1-cyclopropyl-eth-2-yl, 1-cyclopentyl-eth-2-yl, or cyclohexylmethyl), or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. 3-oxetanyl).

In particular, R^(4a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, 2-methyl-but-4-yl, or 2-methyl-prop-3-yl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, 1-cyclopropyl-eth-2-yl, 1-cyclopentyl-eth-2-yl, or cyclohexylmethyl), or optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl or cyclobutyl).

Alternatively, R^(4a) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene (e.g. methylene, 1,2-ethylene, or 1,3-propylene) that is bound to a carbon atom in Y¹. In connection with R^(4a), substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene in particular includes C₁-C₄-alkylene substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyano, hydroxy and C₁-C₄-alkoxy. In particular, R^(4a) is C₁-C₄-alkylene (e.g. methylene or 1,2-ethylene) that is bound to a carbon atom in Y¹ with Y¹ being optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene (e.g. 1,2-ethylene or 1,3-propylene) so that R^(4a) and at least part of Y¹ together with the nitrogen atom to which R^(4a) and Y¹ are bound form an N-containing heterocyclic ring having, in particular, 4, 5 or 6 ring member atoms (including the nitrogen atom). A derivative of the invention having such a ring may be represented by the following partial structure:

wherein A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², m, R³, R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined herein, s is 0, 1 or 2, and t is 0, 1, 2, or 3. Particular combinations of s and t include s=1, t=1; s=0, t=1; s=1, t=2; and s=0, t=2.

R^(4b) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl), halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CH₂CN, —CHO, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)carbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NHCN, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonyl, amino, —NO or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl.

Preferably, R^(4b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl). In particular, R^(4b) is hydrogen.

Alternatively, R^(4a), R^(4b) together are optionally substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene (e.g. 1,4-butylene, 1,3-propylene, 2-fluoro-but-1,4-ylene, 1-oxo-but-1,4-ylene, 2-methyl-1,3-propylene, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene, or 2-methyl-2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene), wherein one —CH₂— of C₂-C₆-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom (e.g. —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—) or —NR¹⁰.

In connection with R^(4a) and R^(4b), substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene in particular includes C₂-C₆-alkylene substituted with 1 or more substituents R^(4c), R^(4d) and/or R^(4e).

The compounds of the invention may therefore be represented by the following formula:

wherein A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², m, R³, Y¹, X², X³ and R⁵ are as defined herein,

R^(4c) and R^(4d) are hydrogen, or R^(4c), R^(4d) together are C₁-C₅-alkylene optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents R⁴, wherein one —CH₂— of C₁-C₅-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁸—,

R^(4e) is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, cyano, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy or C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy; and in particular, R⁴ is hydrogen,

t is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and according to a particular embodiment, t is 1, and

R¹⁸ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl. Preferably, R¹⁸ is hydrogen.

In connection with R^(4a) and R^(4e) substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl in particular includes C₆-C₁₂-aryl, such as phenyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy. The same applies to substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl in substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl.

According to a particular embodiment R^(4c), R^(4d) together are C₁-C₅-alkylene optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents R^(4f), wherein one —CH₂— of C₁-C₅-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁸—.

In connection with R^(4c), R^(4d), substituted C₁-C₅-alkylene in particular includes C₁-C₅-alkylene optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents (R^(4f)) selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, cyano, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyloxy or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, and more preferably hydrogen, halogen; C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-aryl, cyano, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy.

According to a further particular embodiment, R^(4c), R^(4d) together with the carbon atom or the carbon atoms to which they are bound form a 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-membered ring, for example a ring comprised by the formula:

wherein t is defined as herein and u is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and R^(4e) and R^(4f) are as defined herein. Particular combinations of u and t include t=1 and u=0.

In said formulae, there may be one or more than one radical R^(4e) and/or R^(4f). More particularly, there may be up to 3 radicals R^(4e) and/or up to 3 radicals R^(4f). Preferably there is one radical R^(4e) and/or one radical R^(4f). Said formulae may thus also be depicted as follows:

In said formulae, e is 1, 2 or 3 and f is 1, 2, or 3, with R^(4e), R^(4f), t and u being as defined herein. If there is more than one radical R^(4e), these may be the same or different radicals. If there is more than one radical R^(4f), these may be the same or different radicals.

The following examples of bicyclic moieties illustrate particular combinations of t, u and R^(4e), R^(4f) in the compounds of the present invention:

wherein R^(4c), R^(4f) are as defined herein and in particular are both hydrogen.

Compounds of the invention having the following bicyclic moiety:

wherein R^(4e), R^(4f) are as defined herein and in particular are both hydrogen, are particularly preferred.

X² is —O—, —NR^(11a)—, —S—, >CR^(12a)R^(12b) Or a bond. In particular, X² is not a bond. Preferably, X² is >CR^(12a)R^(12b).

X³ is —O—, —NR^(11b)—, —S—, >CR^(13a)R^(13b) or a bond. Preferably, X³ is a bond.

Thus, it is preferred if X² is >CR^(12a)R^(12b) and X³ is a bond.

R^(12a) is hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl or hydroxy. Preferably, R^(12a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.

R^(13a) is hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl or hydroxy. Preferably, R^(13a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.

In connection with R^(12a) and R^(13a), substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl in particular includes C₁-C₆-alkyl substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and amino.

In connection with R^(12a) and R^(13a), substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl in particular includes C₆-C₁₂-aryl, such as phenyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

R^(12b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. According to a particular embodiment, R^(12b) is hydrogen.

R^(13b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. According to a particular embodiment, R^(13b) is hydrogen.

Alternatively, R^(12a) and R^(12b), Or R^(13a) and R^(13b), together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl or, preferably, are optionally substituted C₂-C₄-alkylene (e.g. 1,3-propylene), wherein one —CH₂— of C₂-C₄-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁴—

In connection with R^(12a) and R^(12b), or R^(13a) and R^(13b), substituted C₂-C₄-alkylene in particular includes C₂-C₄-alkylene substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, cyano, C₁-C₄-alkoxy and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy.

According to a particular embodiment, R^(12a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl and R^(12b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl, or R^(13a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl and R^(13b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.

According to a further particular embodiment, R^(12a) is hydrogen and R^(12b) is hydrogen, or R^(13a) is hydrogen and R^(13b) is hydrogen.

According to a further particular embodiment, R^(12a) and R^(12b) together are optionally substituted 1,3-propylene, or R^(13a) and R^(13b) together are optionally substituted 1,3-propylene.

R⁵ is optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl (e.g. phenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl; 3-cyanophenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3-fluoro-5-chlorophenyl, 3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl or 3,4-dichlorophenyl), optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclohexyl) or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl.

In connection with R⁵, substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl in particular includes C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, such as cyclopropyl or cyclohexyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino and M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl.

In connection with R⁵, substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl in particular includes C₆-C₁₂-aryl, such as phenyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen (e.g. F, Cl, Br), optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl), halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. trifluoromethyl), CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy (e.g. methoxy), halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino and M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl.

In connection with R⁵, substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl in particular includes M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino and M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl.

In connection with R⁵, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl in particular is M₃-M₁₂-heteroaryl.

Preferably, R⁵ is optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, in particular as in the compounds of the formula: 1a:

wherein A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³ are as defined herein, and R^(16a), R^(16b), R^(16v)c, R^(16d), R^(16e) independently are hydrogen, halogen (e.g. F, Cl or Br), optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl), halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. trifluoromethyl), CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy (e.g. methoxy), amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl. Preferably, R^(16a), R^(16b), R^(16c), R^(16d), R^(16e) independently are hydrogen, halogen (e.g. F, Cl or Br), or halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. trifluoromethyl).

It is also preferred if R⁵ is optionally substituted M₆-M₁₂-heteroaryl, in particular as in the compounds of the formula:

wherein A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, R⁶, n1, n2, X¹, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³ are as defined herein, and

R^(16b), R^(16c), R^(16d), R^(16e) independently are hydrogen, halogen (e.g. F, Cl or Br), optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl), halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. trifluoromethyl), CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy (e.g. methoxy), amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl. Preferably, R^(16b), R^(16c), R^(16d), R^(16e) independently are hydrogen, halogen (e.g. F, Cl or Br), or halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. trifluoromethyl).

According to a particular embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of the formula:

wherein A, R, R², in R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), R⁵ are as defined herein, R⁵ preferably being optionally substituted aryl and in particular optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl and in particular optionally substituted pyridinyl as disclosed herein.

In connection with R⁵ or R^(16a), R^(16b), R^(16c), R^(16d), R^(16e), substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl in particular includes C₁-C₆-alkyl, especially C₁-C₄-alkyl, substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino and M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. morpholinyl or piperidinyl).

According to a particular embodiment, R^(16a), R^(16b), R^(16d), R^(16e) are hydrogen and R^(16c) is different from hydrogen (para-mono-substitution).

According to a further particular embodiment, R^(16a), R^(16c), R^(16d), R^(16e) are hydrogen and R^(16b) is different from hydrogen (meta-mono-substitution).

In connection with R^(16a), R^(16b), R^(16c), R^(16d), R^(16e), M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl in particular includes morpholinyl, imidazolyl and pyrazolyl.

R⁷ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. Preferably, R⁷ is hydrogen.

R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl), amino-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. 3-azetidinyl). Preferably, R⁸ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl). In particular, R⁸ is hydrogen.

According to a particular embodiment, R⁸ and R¹ together are C₁-C₄-alkylene (e.g. 1,2-ethylene or 1,3-propylene) so as that R⁸ and R¹ together with the atom in Q to which R¹ is bound and the nitrogen atom to which R⁸ is bound form an heterocyclic ring having, in particular, 4, 5 or 6 ring member atoms (including the nitrogen atom and Q). With W and A¹ both being a bond, such a ring may be represented by the following partial structure:

wherein Q, is as defined herein (e.g. S(O)₂) and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.

R¹⁰ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. Preferably, R¹⁰ is hydrogen.

R^(11a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. Preferably, R^(11a) is hydrogen.

R^(11b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. Preferably, R^(11b) is hydrogen.

R¹⁴ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. Preferably, R¹⁴ is hydrogen.

R¹⁵ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. Preferably, R¹⁵ is hydrogen.

R¹⁷ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl. Preferably, R¹⁸ is hydrogen.

R¹⁸ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl. Preferably, R¹⁸ is hydrogen.

Particular embodiments of compounds of the invention result if

-   A is a benzene ring -   R¹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,     sec-butyl, n-pentyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g.     cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl,     cyclohexylmethyl, cyclopropylethyl), halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g.     3-fluoroprop-1-yl, 3-chloroprop-1-yl or 3,3,3-trifluoropropp-1-yl),     tri-(C₁-C₄-alkyl)-silyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. trimethylsilylethyl),     C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. ethoxyethyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g.     cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl), C₂-C₆-alkenyl (e.g.     prop-1,2-en-1-yl), optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl (e.g. phenyl,     3-methylphenyl), or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g.     2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 2-F-pyridin-3-yl, 5-F-pyridin-3yl,     pyridazin-3-yl, 1-methyl-pyrrol-3yl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl,     4-methyl-2-thienyl, 5-methyl-2-thienyl, 5-chloro-2-thienyl,     2,5-dimethyl-3-thienyl, 3-furanyl, 5-methyl-2-furanyl,     2,5-dimethyl-3-furanyl, 1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl,     1,3-dimethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl,     1-difluoromethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl,     1-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl,     1-methyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl, 2-methyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl,     1,2-dimethyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl, 2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl,     2,4-dimethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl, 5-methylisoxazol-3-yl,     1-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl,     1-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 3-pyrrolidinyl, 3-oxenatyl,     3-methyl-piperidinyl, 4-morpholinyl,     2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl); -   W is a bond or NR⁷; -   A¹ is a bond; -   Q is —S(O)₂— or —C(O)—; -   Y is NR⁸ or a bond; -   n1 is 1 or 2; -   n2 is 1 or 2; -   R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl), or two radicals R⁶     together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a     carbonyl group; -   X¹ is >N— or >CH—; -   R² is hydrogen, halogen (e.g. fluorine), or —CN; -   m is 0 or 1; -   R³ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl); -   Y¹ is a bond or substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene (e.g. methylene,     1,2-ethylene); -   R^(4a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,     isopropyl, 2-methyl-but-4-yl, 2-methyl-prop-3-yl),     C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl,     cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, 1-cyclopropyleth-2-yl,     1-cyclopentyleth-2-yl, cyclohexylmethyl), halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl     (e.g. 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl), C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g.     cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl), —CHO, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl (e.g.     methylcarbonyl, ethylcarbonyl, isopropylcarbonyl), (halogenated     C₁-C₄-alkyl)carbonyl (e.g. fluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoro     methylcarbonyl, trifluoromethylcarbonyl,     1,1,1-trifluoroeth-2-ylcarbonyl, 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-3-ylcarbonyl),     C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonyl (e.g. phenylcarbonyl), C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl     (e.g. ethoxycarbonyl, tert-butyloxycarbonyl), C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl     (e.g. phenoxycarbonyl) or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl     (e.g. 3-oxetanyl, 3-cyano-3-oxetanyl); or -   R^(4a) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene that is bound to a     carbon atom in Y¹ (e.g. methylene, 1,2-ethylene, 1,3-propylene); -   R^(4b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl); or -   R^(4a), R^(4b)     -   together are optionally substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene (e.g.         1,3-propylene, 1,4-butylene, 2-methyl-1,3-propylene,         2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene, 2-methyl-2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene,         2-fluoro-but-1,4-ylene, 1-oxo-but-1,4-ylene,         —CH₂-cycloprop-1,2-ylene-CH₂—) wherein one —CH₂— of         C₂-C₆-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom (e.g.         —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—); -   X² is >CR^(12a)R^(12b); -   X³ is a bond; -   R⁵ is optionally substituted phenyl (e.g. phenyl, 2-fluorophenyl,     2-chlorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl,     3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3-cyanophenyl, 3-methylphenyl,     3-methoxyphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl,     3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 3-fluoro-5-chlorophenyl,     3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl) or     optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclohexyl); -   R⁷ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl); -   R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl), or     C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl); or -   R⁸, R¹     -   together are C₁-C₄-alkylene (e.g. 1,3-propylene); -   R^(12a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl); -   R^(12b) is hydrogen; -   R^(12a), R^(12b)     -   together are optionally substituted C₂-C₄-alkylene (e.g.         1,3-propylene).

Further particular embodiments of compounds of the invention result if

-   A is a benzene ring -   R¹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl (e.g. ethyl, n-propyl),     C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl (e.g. cyclopropylmethyl), or     optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl (e.g. 3 e.g.     1-methyl-1,2-diazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-1,3-diazol-4-yl,     1-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl,     2-F-pyridin-3-yl, 5-F-pyridin-3yl, pyridazin-3-yl); -   W is a bond; -   A¹ is a bond; -   Q is —S(O)₂—; -   Y is NR⁸; -   n1 is 1 or 2; -   n2 is 1 or 2; -   R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, or two radicals R⁶ together with the     carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl group; -   X¹ is >N— or >CH—; -   R² is hydrogen; -   m is 1; -   R³ is hydrogen; -   Y¹ is a bond; -   R^(4a), R^(4b)     -   together are optionally substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene (e.g.         1,3-propylene); -   X² is >CR^(12a)R^(2b); -   X³ is a bond; -   R⁵ is optionally substituted phenyl (e.g. phenyl); -   R⁸ is hydrogen, or -   R^(12a) is hydrogen; -   R^(12b) is hydrogen.

Further particular compounds of the present invention are the individual aminotetraline and aminoindane derivatives of the formula (Ia) as listed in the following tables 1 to 24 and physiologically tolerated salts thereof:

Table 1

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is hydrogen, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is hydrogen and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 2

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is hydrogen, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-F and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 3

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is hydrogen, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-Cl and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 4

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is hydrogen, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-CF₃ and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 5

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is hydrogen, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 4-F and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 6

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is hydrogen, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 4-Cl and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 7

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 5-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is hydrogen and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 8

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 5-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-F and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 9

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 5-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-Cl and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 10

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H—Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 5-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-CF₃ and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 11

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 5-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 4-F and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 12

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 5-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 4-Cl and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 13

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 7-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is hydrogen and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 14

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond R² is 7-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-F and the combination of R¹, —X¹, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 15

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 7-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-Cl and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 16

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 7-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-CF₃ and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 17

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 7-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 4-F and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), n1, n2, R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 18

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 7-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 4-Cl and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 19

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 8-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is hydrogen and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 20

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 8-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-F and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), n1, n2, R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 21

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 8-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-Cl and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 22

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 8-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 3-CF₃ and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 23

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 8-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 4-F and the combination of R¹, —X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

Table 24

Compounds of the formula (Ia) wherein R⁶ is as defined herein and in particular represents H, —Y¹— is as defined herein and in particular represents a bond, R² is 8-F, m is as defined herein and in particular is 1, R³ is as defined herein and in particular represents hydrogen, R¹⁶ is 4-Cl and the combination of R¹, X¹—, n1, n2, >CR^(12a)R^(12b), R^(4a), R^(4b) for a compound in each case corresponds to one line of Table A (A-1 to A-88).

R¹ —X¹— n1 n2 >CR^(12a)R^(12b) R^(4a), R^(4b) A-1.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-2.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-3.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-4.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-5.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-6.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-7.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-8.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-9.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-10.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-11.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-12.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-13.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-14.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-15.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-16.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-17.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-18.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-19.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-20.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-21.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-22.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— H, H A-23.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-24.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-25.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-26.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-27.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-28.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-29.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-30.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-31.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-32.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-33.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-34.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-35.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-36.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-37.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-38.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-39.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-40.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-41.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-42.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-43.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-44.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —CH₃, H A-45.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-46.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-47.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-48.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-49.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-50.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-51.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-52.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-53.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-54.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-55.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-56.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-57.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-58.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-59.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-60.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-61.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-62.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-63.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-64.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-65.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-66.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₃— A-67.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-68.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-69.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-70.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-71.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-72.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-73.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-74.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-75.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-76.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-77.

>N— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-78.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-79.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-80.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-81.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-82.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-83.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-84.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-85.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-86.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-87.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄— A-88.

>CH— 1 1 —CH₂— —(CH₂)₄—

Still further particular compounds of the present invention are the compounds disclosed in preparation examples and physiologically tolerated salts thereof. These include for each preparation example the exemplified compound as well as the corresponding free base and any other physiologically tolerated salts of the free base (if the exemplified compound is a salt), or any physiologically tolerated salt of the free base (if the exemplified compound is a free base). These further include enantiomers, diastereomers, tautomers and any other isomeric forms of said compounds, be they explicitly or implicitly disclosed.

The compounds of the formula (I) can be prepared by analogy to methods which are well known in the art. Suitable methods for the preparation of compounds of formula (I) are outlined in the following schemes.

The process depicted in scheme 1 is useful for obtaining aminotetralines, wherein X¹ is >N—, Y is —NR⁸—, and Q is —S(O)₂—.

Aminotetralines and aminoindanes of the general formula 1 can be prepared as described in the literature (WO 2010092180 and WO 2012020131). The free phenols 2 can be accessed via removal of the protecting group L¹ (e.g. for L¹=Me by treating compounds 1 with boron tribromide). The phenols of general formula 2 can be transferred into the triflates 3 in presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride or 2-[N,N-Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amino]-5-chloropyridine. As described in the literature (e.g. Chem. Sci. 2011, 2, 27-50) triflate 3 can undergo a Buchwald-Hartwig type amination or amidation with a cyclic amine or amide in the presence of a palladium source (e.g. Pd(II) acetate or tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0)), a ligand (e.g. dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)phosphine or 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene) and a base (e.g. cesium carbonate) to yield compounds of the general formula 4. Alternatively to the triflates 3 the corresponding nonaflates or bromides can be used to prepare compound 4. Deprotection of the Boc-group in presence of an acid (e.g. trifluoroacetic acid or formic acid) leads to the compounds of the general formula 5. Treatment with sulfonyl chlorides in presence of a base (e.g. N,N-dimethylaminopyridine or pyridine) yields compound 6. Deprotection of the protecting group L³ (for L³32 ethylcarbamate e.g. ethanolic potassium hydroxide) will lead to the free amine of the general formula 7. Reductive amination using the corresponding ketones or aldehydes in presence of a reduction reagent (e.g. sodiumcyanoborohydride and glacial acetic acid) or amide formation followed by subsequent reduction yields the corresponding higher alkylated amines of the general formula 8. Reduction of the ethylcarbamte (L³) of compound 6 (e.g. using lithium aluminum hydride) leads directly to compounds of the general formula 8 with R^(4a)=methyl and R^(4b)=hydrogen or vice versa.

In scheme 1, the variables R¹, W, A¹, R², R³, R^(4a), R^(4b), R⁵, R⁶, R⁸, X², X³, n1, n2, and m are as defined herein, X⁴ is —O— and L¹ and L³ are suitable protecting groups (e.g. L¹=Me, and L³═COOEt).

The process depicted in scheme 2 is useful for obtaining aminotetralines or aminoindanes, wherein X¹ is —CH—, Y is —NR⁸—, and Q is —S(O)₂—.

Triflates of the general formula 3 can be reacted with the corresponding alkyliodides in the presence of zink and palladium (e.g. zink, TMSC1,1,2-dibromoethane, Pd(dba)₂, and dppf) to undergo a Negishi-coupling (Austr. J. Chem. 2004, 57, 107) and lead to compounds of the general formula 9. Alternatively, a Suzuki-coupling of the triflates 3 with the corresponding boron reagents (boronic acid, ester or trifluoroborates) in presence of a palladium source (e.g. palladiumdibenzylidine acetone), a ligand (e.g. 2-dicyclohexyl-phosphino-2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl) and a base (e.g. cesium carbonate) leads to the compounds of the general formula 9. Deprotection of the Boc-group in presence of an acid (e.g. trifluoroacetic acid or formic acid) leads to the compounds of the general formula 10. Treatment with sulfonyl chlorides in presence of a base (e.g. N,N-dimethylaminopyridine or pyridine) yields compounds of the general formula 11. Deprotection of the protecting group L³ (for L³32 ethylcarbamate e.g. ethanolic potassium hydroxide) will lead to the free amine of the general formula 12. Reductive amination using the corresponding ketones or aldehydes in presence of a reduction reagent (e.g. sodiumcyanoborohydride and glacial acetic acid) or amide formation followed by subsequent reduction yields the corresponding higher alkylated amines of the general formula 13. Reduction of the ethylcarbamte (L³) of compound 11 (e.g. using lithium aluminum hydride) leads directly to compounds of the general formula 13 with R^(4a)=methyl and R^(4b)=hydrogen or vice versa.

In scheme 2, the variables R¹, W, A¹, R², R³, R^(4a), R^(4b), R⁵, R⁶, R⁸, X², X³, n1, n2 and m are as defined herein, and L³ is a suitable protecting group (e.g. L³═COOEt).

The compounds of the formula (I) are capable of inhibiting the activity of glycine transporter, in particular glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1).

The utility of the compounds in accordance with the present invention as inhibiting the glycine transporter activity, in particular GlyT1 activity, may be demonstrated by methodology known in the art. For instance, human GlyT1c expressing recombinant hGlyT1c_5_CHO cells can be used for measuring glycine uptake and its inhibition (IC₅₀) by a compound of formula (I).

Amongst the compounds of the formula (I) those are preferred which achieve effective inhibition at low concentrations. In particular, compounds of the formula (I) are preferred which inhibit glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) at a level of IC₅₀<1 μMol, more preferably at a level of IC₅₀<0.5 μMol, particularly preferably at a level of IC₅₀<0.2 μMol and most preferably at a level of IC₅₀<0.1 μMol.

Compounds of formula (I) combine high affinity with high metabolic stability.

The metabolic stability of a compound can be measured for example by incubating a solution of this compound with liver microsomes from particular species (for example rat, dog or human) and determining the half-life of the compound under these conditions (R S Obach, Curr Opin Drug Discov Devel. 2001, 4, 36-44). It is possible in this connection to conclude from an observed longer half-life that the metabolic stability of the compound is improved. The stability in the presence of human liver microsomes is of particular interest because it makes it possible to predict the metabolic degradation of the compound in the human liver. Compounds with increased metabolic stability (measured in the liver microsome test) are therefore probably also degraded more slowly in the liver. The slower metabolic degradation in the liver may lead to higher and/or longer-lasting concentrations (active levels) of the compound in the body, so that the elimination half-life of the compounds of the invention is increased. Increased and/or longer-lasting active levels may lead to a better activity of the compound in therapeutic treatment. In addition, an improved metabolic stability may lead to an increased bioavailability after oral administration, because the compound is subject, after absorption in the intestine, to less metabolic degradation in the liver (so-called first pass effect). An increased oral bioavailability may, owing to an increased concentration (active level) of the compound, lead to a better activity of the compound after oral administration.

Amongst the compounds of the formula (I) those are particularly preferred which display good to moderate metabolic stability towards human liver microsomes. In particular, compounds of the formula (I) are preferred which display a microsomal clearance at a level of mClint,u<500 L/h/kg, more preferably at a level of mClint,u<100 Jh/kg, particularly preferably at a level of mClint,u<50 L/h/kg, and most preferably at a level of mClint,u<5 L/h/kg.

Further, compounds of formula (I) exhibit favorable efflux properties which may lead to enhanced oral bioavailability and/or increased brain availability. According to a particular embodiment, compounds of the invention combine high affinity and high metabolic stability with favorable efflux properties.

The efflux properties of a compound can be measured in well-known assays (e.g. Caco-2, MDCK assay).

The compounds of the formula (I) according to the present invention are thus useful as pharmaceuticals.

The present invention therefore also relates to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise an inert carrier and a compound of the formula (I).

The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds of the formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting the glycine transporter GlyT1, and to corresponding methods of inhibiting the glycine transporter GlyT1.

The NMDA receptor is central to a wide range of CNS processes, and its role in a variety of diseases in humans or other species has been described. GlyT1 inhibitors slow the removal of glycine from the synapse, causing the level of synaptic glycine to rise. This in turn increases the occupancy of the glycine binding site on the NMDA receptor, which increases activation of the NMDA receptor following glutamate release from the presynaptic terminal. Glycine transport inhibitors and in particular inhibitors of the glycine transporter GlyT1 are thus known to be useful in treating a variety of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Further, glycine A receptors play a role in a variety of diseases in humans or other species. Increasing extracellular glycine concentrations by inhibiting glycine transport may enhance the activity of glycine A receptors. Glycine transport inhibitors and in particular inhibitors of the glycine transporter GlyT1 are thus useful in treating a variety of neurologic and psychiatric disorders.

The present invention thus further relates to the use of the compounds of the formula (I) for the manufacture of a medicament for treating a neurologic or psychiatric disorder, and to corresponding methods of treating said disorders.

According to a particular embodiment, the disorder is associated with glycinergic or glutamatergic neurotransmission dysfunction.

According to a further particular embodiment, the disorder is one or more of the following conditions or diseases: schizophrenia or a psychotic disorder including schizophrenia (paranoid, disorganized, catatonic or undifferentiated), schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, shared psychotic disorder, psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition and substance-induced psychotic disorder, including both the positive and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychoses; cognitive disorders including dementia (associated with Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, multi-infarct dementia, trauma, vascular problems or stroke, HIV disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, perinatal hypoxia, other general medical conditions or substance abuse); delirium, amnestic disorders or cognitive impairment including age related cognitive decline; anxiety disorders including acute stress disorder, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attack, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, substance-induced anxiety disorder and anxiety due to a general medical condition; substance-related disorders and addictive behaviors (including substance-induced delirium, persisting dementia, persisting amnestic disorder, psychotic disorder or anxiety disorder, tolerance, dependence or withdrawal from substances including alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine, sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics); obesity, bulimia nervosa and compulsive eating disorders; bipolar disorders, mood disorders including depressive disorders; depression including unipolar depression, seasonal depression and post-partum depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), mood disorders due to a general medical condition, and substance-induced mood disorders; learning disorders, pervasive developmental disorder including autistic disorder, attention deficit disorders including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder; movement disorders, including akinesias and akinetic-rigid syndromes (including Parkinson's disease, drug-induced parkinsonism, postencephalitic parkinsonism, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, parkinsonism-ALS dementia complex and basal ganglia calcification), medication-induced parkinsonism (such as neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, neuroleptic-induced acute dystonia, neuroleptic-induced acute akathisia, neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia and medication-induced postural tremor), Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, muscular spasms and disorders associated with muscular spasticity or weakness including tremors; dyskinesias [including tremor (such as rest tremor, postural tremor and intention tremor), chorea (such as Sydenham's chorea, Huntington's disease, benign hereditary chorea, neuroacanthocytosis, symptomatic chorea, drug-induced chorea and hemiballism), myoclonus (including generalised myoclonus and focal myoclonus), tics (including simple tics, complex tics and symptomatic tics), and dystonia (including generalised dystonia such as iodiopathic dystonia, drug-induced dystonia, symptomatic dystonia and paroxymal dystonia, and focal dystonia such as blepharospasm, oromandibular dystonia, spasmodic dysphonia, spasmodic torticollis, axial dystonia, dystonic writer's cramp and hemiplegic dystonia)]; urinary incontinence; neuronal damage including ocular damage, retinopathy or macular degeneration of the eye, tinnitus, hearing impairment and loss, and brain edema; emesis; and sleep disorders including insomnia and narcolepsy.

According to a further particular embodiment, the disorder is pain, in particular chronic pain and especially neuropathic pain.

Pain can be classified as acute and chronic pain. Acute pain and chronic pain differ in their etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Acute pain, which occurs following tissue injury, is self-limiting, serves as an alert to ongoing tissue damage and following tissue repair it will usually subside. There are minimal psychological symptoms associated with acute pain apart from mild anxiety. Acute pain is nociceptive in nature and occurs following chemical, mechanical and thermal stimulation of A-delta and C-polymodal pain receptors.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, serves no protective biological function. Rather than being the symptom of tissue damage it is a disease in its own right. Chronic pain is unrelenting and not self-limiting and can persist for years, perhaps decades after the initial injury. Chronic pain can be refractory to multiple treatment regimes. Psychological symptoms associated with chronic pain include chronic anxiety, fear, depression, sleeplessness and impairment of social interaction. Chronic non-malignant pain is predominantly neuropathic in nature and involves damage to either the peripheral or central nervous systems.

Acute pain and chronic pain are caused by different neuro-physiological processes and therefore tend to respond to different types of treatments. Acute pain can be somatic or visceral in nature. Somatic pain tends to be a well localised, constant pain and is described as sharp, aching, throbbing or gnawing. Visceral pain, on the other hand, tends to be vague in distribution, paroxysmal in nature and is usually described as deep, aching, squeezing or colicky in nature. Examples of acute pain include post-operative pain, pain associated with trauma and the pain of arthritis. Acute pain usually responds to treatment with opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Chronic pain, in contrast to acute pain, is described as burning, electric, tingling and shooting in nature. It can be continuous or paroxysmal in presentation. The hallmarks of chronic pain are chronic allodynia and hyperalgesia. Allodynia is pain resulting from a stimulus that normally does not ellicit a painful response, such as a light touch. Hyperalgesia is an increased sensitivity to normally painful stimuli. Primary hyperalgesia occurs immediately within the area of the injury. Secondary hyperalgesia occurs in the undamaged area surrounding the injury. Examples of chronic pain include complex regional pain syndrome, pain arising from peripheral neuropathies, postoperative pain, chronic fatigue syndrome pain, tension-type headache, pain arising from mechanical nerve injury and severe pain associated with diseases such as cancer, metabolic disease, neurotropic viral disease, neurotoxicity, inflammation, multiple sclerosis or any pain arising as a consequence of or associated with stress or depressive illness.

Although opioids are cheap and effective, serious and potentially life-threatening side effects occur with their use, most notably respiratory depression and muscle rigidity. In addition the doses of opioids which can be administered are limited by nausea, emesis, constipation, pruritis and urinary retention, often resulting in patients electing to receive sub-optimal pain control rather than suffer these distressing side-effects. Furthermore, these side-effects often result in patients requiring extended hospitalisation. Opioids are highly addictive and are scheduled drugs in many territories.

The compounds of formula (I) are particularly useful in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression including unipolar depression, seasonal depression and post-partum depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), learning disorders, pervasive developmental disorder including autistic disorder, attention deficit disorders including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, tic disorders including Tourette's disorder, anxiety disorders including phobia and post traumatic stress disorder, cognitive disorders associated with dementia, AIDS dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's disease, spasticity, myoclonus, muscle spasm, tinnitus and hearing impairment and loss are of particular importance.

Particular cognitive disorders are dementia, delirium, amnestic disorders and cognitive impartment including age-related cognitive decline.

Particular anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic attack.

Particular schizophrenia or psychosis pathologies are paranoid, disorganized, catatonic or undifferentiated schizophrenia and substance-induced psychotic disorder.

Particular neurologic disorders that can be treated with the compounds of the formula (I) include in particular a cognitive disorder such as dementia, cognitive impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Particular psychiatric disorders that can be treated with the compounds of the formula (I) include in particular an anxiety disorder, a mood disorder such as depression or a bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, a psychotic disorder.

Within the context of the treatment, the use according to the invention of the compounds of the formula (I) involves a method. In this method, an effective quantity of one or more compounds or the formula (I), as a rule formulated in accordance with pharmaceutical and veterinary practice, is administered to the individual to be treated, preferably a mammal, in particular a human being. Whether such a treatment is indicated, and in which form it is to take place, depends on the individual case and is subject to medical assessment (diagnosis) which takes into consideration signs, symptoms and/or malfunctions which are present, the risks of developing particular signs, symptoms and/or malfunctions, and other factors.

As a rule, the treatment is effected by means of single or repeated daily administration, where appropriate together, or alternating, with other drugs or drug-containing preparations.

The invention also relates to the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for treating an individual, preferably a mammal, in particular a human being. Thus, the compounds of the formula (I) are customarily administered in the form of pharmaceutical compositions which comprise an inert carrier (e.g. a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient) together with at least one compound according to the invention and, where appropriate, other drugs. These compositions can, for example, be administered orally, rectally, transdermally, subcutaneously, intravenously, intramuscularly or intranasally.

Examples of suitable pharmaceutical formulations are solid medicinal forms, such as powders, granules, tablets, in particular film tablets, lozenges, sachets, cachets, sugar-coated tablets, capsules, such as hard gelatin capsules and soft gelatin capsules, suppositories or vaginal medicinal forms, semisolid medicinal forms, such as ointments, creams, hydrogels, pastes or plasters, and also liquid medicinal forms, such as solutions, emulsions, in particular oil-in-water emulsions, suspensions, for example lotions, injection preparations and infusion preparations, and eyedrops and eardrops. Implanted release devices can also be used for administering inhibitors according to the invention. In addition, it is also possible to use liposomes or microspheres.

When producing the compositions, the compounds according to the invention are optionally mixed or diluted with one or more carriers (excipients). Carriers (excipients) can be solid, semisolid or liquid materials which serve as vehicles, carriers or medium for the active compound.

Suitable carriers (excipients) are listed in the specialist medicinal monographs. In addition, the formulations can comprise pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances, such as wetting agents; emulsifying and suspending agents; preservatives; antioxidants; antiirritants; chelating agents; coating auxiliaries; emulsion stabilizers; film formers; gel formers; odor masking agents; taste corrigents; resin; hydrocolloids; solvents; solubilizers; neutralizing agents; diffusion accelerators; pigments; quaternary ammonium compounds; refatting and overfatting agents; raw materials for ointments, creams or oils; silicone derivatives; spreading auxiliaries; stabilizers; sterilants; suppository bases; tablet auxiliaries, such as binders, fillers, glidants, disintegrants or coatings; propellants; drying agents; opacifiers; thickeners; waxes; plasticizers and white mineral oils. A formulation in this regard is based on specialist knowledge as described, for example, in Fiedler, H. P., Lexikon der Hilfsstoffe für Pharmazie, Kosmetik und angrenzende Gebiete [Encyclopedia of auxiliary substances for pharmacy, cosmetics and related fields], 4^(th) edition, Aulendorf: ECV-Editio-CantorVerlag, 1996.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be suitable for combination with other therapeutic agents.

Thus, the present invention also provides:

i) a combination comprising a compound of formula (I) with one or more further therapeutic agents;

ii) a pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination product as defined in i) above and at least one carrier, diluent or excipient;

iii) the use of a combination as defined in i) above in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disorder, disease or condition as defined herein;

iv) a combination as defined in i) above for use in treating or preventing a disorder, disease or condition as defined herein;

v) a kit-of-parts for use in the treatment of a disorder, disease or condition as defined herein, comprising a first dosage form comprising a compound of formula (I) and one or more further dosage forms each comprising one or more further therapeutic agents for simultaneous therapeutic administration, vi) a combination as defined in i) above for use in therapy; vii) a method of treatment or prevention of a disorder, disease or condition as defined herein comprising administering an effective amount of a combination as defined in i) above; viii) a combination as defined in i) above for treating or preventing a disorder, disease or condition as defined herein.

The combination therapies of the invention may be administered adjunctively. By adjunctive administration is meant the coterminous or overlapping administration of each of the components in the form of separate pharmaceutical compositions or devices. This regime of therapeutic administration of two or more therapeutic agents is referred to generally by those skilled in the art and herein as adjunctive therapeutic administration; it is also known as add-on therapeutic administration. Any and all treatment regimes in which a patient receives separate but coterminous or overlapping therapeutic administration of the compounds of formula (I) and at least one further therapeutic agent are within the scope of the current invention. In one embodiment of adjunctive therapeutic administration as described herein, a patient is typically stabilised on a therapeutic administration of one or more of the components for a period of time and then receives administration of another component.

The combination therapies of the invention may also be administered simultaneously. By simultaneous administration is meant a treatment regime wherein the individual components are administered together, either in the form of a single pharmaceutical composition or device comprising or containing both components, or as separate compositions or devices, each comprising one of the components, administered simultaneously. Such combinations of the separate individual components for simultaneous combination may be provided in the form of a kit-of-parts.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a psychotic disorder by adjunctive therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I) to a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one antipsychotic agent. In a further aspect, the invention provides the use of compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of a psychotic disorder in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one antipsychotic agent. The invention further provides compounds of formula (I) for use for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of a psychotic disorder in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one antipsychotic agent.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a psychotic disorder by adjunctive therapeutic administration of at least one antipsychotic agent to a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I). In a further aspect, the invention provides the use of at least one antipsychotic agent in the manufacture of a medicament for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of a psychotic disorder in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I). The invention further provides at least one antipsychotic agent for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of a psychotic disorder in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I).

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a psychotic disorder by simultaneous therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I) in combination with at least one antipsychotic agent. The invention further provides the use of a combination of compounds of formula (I) and at least one antipsychotic agent in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration in the treatment of a psychotic disorder. The invention further provides a combination of compounds of formula (I) and at least one antipsychotic agent for simultaneous therapeutic administration in the treatment of a psychotic disorder. The invention further provides the use of compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration with at least one antipsychotic agent in the treatment of a psychotic disorder. The invention further provides compounds of formula (I) for use for simultaneous therapeutic administration with at least one antipsychotic agent in the treatment of a psychotic disorder. The invention further provides the use of at least one antipsychotic agent in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration with compounds of formula (I) in the treatment of a psychotic disorder. The invention further provides at least one antipsychotic agent for simultaneous therapeutic administration with compounds of formula (I) in the treatment of a psychotic disorder.

In further aspects, the invention provides a method of treatment of a psychotic disorder by simultaneous therapeutic administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds of formula (I) and at least one mood stabilising or antimanic agent, a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds of formula (I) and at least one mood stabilising or antimanic agent, the use of a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds of formula (I) and at least one mood stabilising or antimanic agent in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a psychotic disorder, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds of formula (I) and at least one mood stabilising or antimanic agent for use in the treatment of a psychotic disorder.

Antipsychotic agents include both typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Examples of antipsychotic drugs that are useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to: butyrophenones, such as haloperidol, pimozide, and droperidol; phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, thioridazine, mesoridazine, trifluoperazine, perphenazine, fluphenazine, thiflupromazine, prochlorperazine, and acetophenazine; thioxanthenes, such as thiothixene and chlorprothixene; thienobenzodiazepines; dibenzodiazepines; benzisoxazoles; dibenzothiazepines; imidazolidinones; benziso-thiazolyl-piperazines; triazine such as lamotrigine; dibenzoxazepines, such as loxapine; dihydroindolones, such as molindone; aripiprazole; and derivatives thereof that have antipsychotic activity.

Examples of tradenames and suppliers of selected antipsychotic drugs are as follows: clozapine (available under the tradename CLOZARIL®, from Mylan, Zenith Goldline, UDL, Novartis); olanzapine (available under the tradename ZYPREX®, from Lilly); ziprasidone (available under the tradename GEODON®, from Pfizer); risperidone (available under the tradename RISPERDAL®, from Janssen); quetiapine fumarate (available under the tradename SEROQUEL®, from AstraZeneca); haloperidol (available under the tradename HALDOL®, from Ortho-McNeil); chlorpromazine (available under the tradename THORAZINE®, from SmithKline Beecham (GSK)); fluphenazine (available under the tradename PROLIXIN®, from Apothecon, Copley, Schering, Teva, and American Pharmaceutical Partners, Pasadena); thiothixene (available under the tradename NAVANE®, from Pfizer); trifluoperazine (10-[3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)propyl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenothiazine dihydrochloride, available under the tradename STELAZINE®, from Smith Klein Beckman); perphenazine (available under the tradename TRILAFON®; from Schering); thioridazine (available under the tradename MELLARIL®; from Novartis, Roxane, HiTech, Teva, and Alpharma); molindone (available under the tradename MOBAN®, from Endo); and loxapine (available under the tradename LOXITANE (D; from Watson). Furthermore, benperidol (Glianimon®), perazine (Taxilan®) or melperone (Eunerpan®) may be used. Other antipsychotic drugs include promazine (available under the tradename SPARINE®), triflurpromazine (available under the tradename VESPRI N®), chlorprothixene (available under the tradename TARACTAN®), droperidol (available under the tradename INAPSINE®), acetophenazine (available under the tradename TINDAL®), prochlorperazine (available under the tradename COMPAZINE®), methotrimeprazine (available under the tradename NOZINAN®), pipotiazine (available under the tradename PIPOTRIL®), ziprasidone, and hoperidone.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease by adjunctive therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I) to a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease. In a further aspect, the invention provides the use of compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease. The invention further provides compounds of formula (I) for use for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease by adjunctive therapeutic administration of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease to a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I). In a further aspect, the invention provides the use of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in the manufacture of a medicament for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I). The invention further provides at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I).

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease by simultaneous therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I) in combination with at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease. The invention further provides the use of a combination of compounds of formula (I) and at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration in the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease. The invention further provides a combination of compounds of formula (I) and at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease for simultaneous therapeutic administration in the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease. The invention further provides the use of compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration with at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease. The invention further provides compounds of formula (I) for use for simultaneous therapeutic administration with at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease. The invention further provides the use of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration with compounds of formula (I) in the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease. The invention further provides at least one agent suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease for simultaneous therapeutic administration with compounds of formula (I) in the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease.

Examples of agents suitable for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer Disease that are useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to: cholinesterase inhibitors, agents targeting nicotinic or muscarinic acethylcholine receptors, NMDA receptors, amyloid formation, mitochondrial dysfunctions, disease associated calpain activity, neuroinflamation, tumor necrosis factor receptors, NF-kappaB, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma, Apolipoprotein E variant 4 (ApoE4), disease-associated increase of the HPA axis, epileptic discharges, vascular dysfunction, vascular risk factors, and oxidative stress.

Suitable cholinesterase inhibitors which may be used in combination with the compounds of the inventions include for example tacrine, donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine.

Suitable NMDA receptors targeting agents which may be used in combination with the compounds of the inventions include for example memantine.

Suitable agents affecting increased HPA axis activity which may be used in combination with the compounds of the inventions include for example CRF1 antagonists or V1b antagonists.

In a further aspect therefore, the invention provides a method of treatment of pain by adjunctive therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I) to a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain. In a further aspect, the invention provides the use of compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of pain in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain. The invention further provides compounds of formula (I) for use for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of pain in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of pain by adjunctive therapeutic administration of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain to a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I). In a further aspect, the invention provides the use of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain in the manufacture of a medicament for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of pain in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I). The invention further provides at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain for adjunctive therapeutic administration for the treatment of pain in a patient receiving therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I).

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of pain by simultaneous therapeutic administration of compounds of formula (I) in combination with at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain. The invention further provides the use of a combination of compounds of formula (I) and at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration in the treatment of pain. The invention further provides a combination of compounds of formula (I) and at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain for simultaneous therapeutic administration in the treatment of pain. The invention further provides the use of compounds of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration with at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain in the treatment of pain. The invention further provides compounds of formula (I) for use for simultaneous therapeutic administration with at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain in the treatment of pain. The invention further provides the use of at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain in the manufacture of a medicament for simultaneous therapeutic administration with compounds of formula (I) in the treatment of pain. The invention further provides at least one agent suitable for the treatment of pain for simultaneous therapeutic administration with compounds of formula (I) in the treatment of pain.

Examples of agents suitable for the treatment of pain that are useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to: NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs), anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine and gabapentin, sodium channel blockers, antidepressant drugs, cannabinoids and local anaesthetics.

Suitable agents used in combination with the compounds of the inventions include for example celecoxib, etoricoxib, lumiracoxib, paracetamol, tramadol, methadone, venlafaxine, imipramine, duloxetine, bupropion, gabapentin, pregabalin, lamotrigine, fentanyl, parecoxib, nefopam, remifentanil, pethidine, diclofenac, rofecoxib, nalbuphine, sufentanil, pethidine, diamorphine and butorphanol.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds according to the invention may advantageously be used in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic agents, for instance, antidepressant agents such as 5HT3 antagonists, serotonin agonists, NK-1 antagonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors (SNRI), tricyclic antidepressants, dopaminergic antidepressants, H3 antagonists, 5HT1A antagonists, 5HT1 B antagonists, 5HT1 D antagonists, D1 agonists, M1 agonists and/or anticonvulsant agents, as well as cognitive enhancers.

Suitable 5HT3 antagonists which may be used in combination of the compounds of the inventions include for example ondansetron, granisetron, metoclopramide.

Suitable serotonin agonists which may be used in combination with the compounds of the invention include sumatriptan, rauwolscine, yohimbine, metoclopramide.

Suitable SSRIs which may be used in combination with the compounds of the invention include fluoxetine, citalopram, femoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, indalpine, sertraline, zimeldine.

Suitable SNRIs which may be used in combination with the compounds of the invention include venlafaxine and reboxetine.

Suitable tricyclic antidepressants which may be used in combination with a compound of the invention include imipramine, amitriptiline, chlomipramine and nortriptiline.

Suitable dopaminergic antidepressants which may be used in combination with a compound of the invention include bupropion and amineptine.

Suitable anticonvulsant agents which may be used in combination of the compounds of the invention include for example divalproex, carbamazepine and diazepam.

The following examples serve to explain the invention without limiting it.

The compounds were characterized by mass spectrometry, generally recorded via HPLC-MS in a fast gradient on C18-material (electrospray-ionisation (ESI) mode).

Preparation Examples Example 1 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

1.1 N-(1-benzyl-7-methoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)propionamide

In a three-necked flask equipped with a Dean-Stark apparatus, heating mantle and magnetic stirrer were charged 1-benzyl-7-methoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2(1H)-one (120 g, 451 mmol), propionamide (82 g, 1126 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (17.14 g, 90 mmol) followed by toluene (1.8 L). The resulting solution was heated to reflux for 5 days and monitored by HPLC (about 16% of starting material remained). The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and washed with 8% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (250 mL) and water (250 mL). The layers were separated. The organic layer was concentrated to near dryness and chase distilled with isopropylalcohol (100 mL). The crude product was transferred to a flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, heating mantle and nitrogen inlet. Isopropylalcohol (500 mL) was added to the flask and the suspension was heated to 62° C. and all the solids were dissolved. The suspension was allowed to cool over 2 h to 30° C. then cooled to 5° C. Solids were filtered and washed with mixture of heptane/isopropylalcohol (4:1, 100 mL). Solids were dried under vacuum to give 93.5 g (yield: 65%) product as a white solid.

ESI-MS [M+NH4+]=338 Calculated for C₂₁H₂₃NO₂=321.

1.2 N-((1R,2S)-1-benzyl-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)propionamide

Chlorocyclooctadiene rhodium(I) dimer (0.802 g, 1.63 mmol, 3.25 mmol of Rh), Josiphos SL-J216-2 (2.199 g, 3.42 mmol), and N-(1-benzyl-7-methoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)propionamide (440 g, 1.37 mol) were combined in a metal reactor, and the vessel was inerted with argon. Degassed methanol (4.40 l) was added, then the mixture was stirred under argon at 50° C. for 20 min. The vessel was pressurized with 60 psig of hydrogen and stirred at 55° C. for 40 h. HPLC analysis indicated complete conversion and 95.9% ee. The methanol solution of the crude reduction product was concentrated and triturated with heptane to yield 428.2 g (yield: 91%) of the title compound.

ESI-MS [M+N+]=324 Calculated for C₂₁H₂₅NO₂=323.

1.3 (1R,2S)-1-benzyl-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-amine hemisulfate

98.0 g (303 mmol) of N-((1R,2S)-1-benzyl-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)propionamide was slurried in water (882 mL) and 882 mL of acetic acid at 25° C. To this suspension was added concentrated sulfuric acid (323 mL, 3.3× vol). The mixture was heated to reflux (108-109° C.) for 68 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and 1.5 L of water were added. The slurry was cooled to 4° C. and the solid was filtered off. The solid was then slurried in 400 mL of acetonitrile at room temperature. After stirring for 30 min., the solid was cooled in an ice bath, filtered, washed with cold acetonitrilen and dried in the vacuum oven at 45° C. to yield 71.43 g (113 mmol, 75%) of the desired product.

1.4 (7S,8R)-7-amino-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol

A 10 L reactor equipped with mechanical stirrer, temperature probe, nitrogen inlet and attached to aqueous potassium hydroxide scrubber, was charged with 730 g (2212 mmol) of (1R,2S)-1-benzyl-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-amine hemisulfate, and 3.7 L (3.27E+04 mmol, 48% wt solution) hydrogen bromide. The reaction mixture was heated at 110-115° C. for 2 h. Then, the volatiles were distilled off. The reactor was cooled to room temperature and charged with 8.0 L of water to give a thick white slurry. The reactor was cooled to −5° C. and 3.5 L of aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution (20%) was slowly added until pH 10.8 L methylene chloride containing 5% methanol were added and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. The layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with additional 8 L of methylene chloride containing 5% methanol. The combined organic layers were concentrated until precipitation occurred. The solid thus obtained was filtered and washed with 300 mL of dichloromethane, and 2×100 mL of acetonitrile. The product was dried at 45° C. for 48 h with nitrogen purge to yield 451 g (1780 mmol, 80%).

ESI-MS [M+N⁺]=254 Calculated for C₁₇H₁₉NO=253.

1.5 (7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol

A 5 L three neck flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, water condenser and nitrogen inlet, was charged with 173.0 g (683 mmol) of (7S,8R)-7-amino-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol, 76 mL (751 mmol) 1,3-dibromopropane, 3 L acetonitrile, and 236 mL (1366 mmol) N,N-diisopropyl-amine. The reaction mixture was heated to 70° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 22 h. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, the solids were filtered, and washed with 650 mL of cold acetonitrile. The filter cake was washed with 1.1 L water, additional 550 mL of acetonitrile, and dried for 20 h in vacuum oven at 40° C. with nitrogen purge to give 146.3 g (499 mmol, 73%) of the desired product.

ESI-MS [M+N⁺]=294 Calculated for C₂₀H₂₃NO=293.

1.6 (7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl trifluoromethanesulfonate

0.8 g (2.73 mmol) of (7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol were dissolved in 45 mL methylene chloride under nitrogen, 0.6 mL (6.82 mmol) pyridine were added and the solution was cooled to 0° C. with an ice bath. 3.3 mL (3.3 mmol) of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (1 M solution in methylene chloride) were added dropwise and the reaction stirred under cooling for 0.5 h. Aqueous bicarbonate solution was added, the aqueous phase separated, and extracted with methylenechloride once. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO₄, filtrated, and evaporated to dryness. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography to yield 1.14 g (2.69 mmol, 99%).

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=426 Calculated for C₂₁H₂₂F₃NO₃S=425.

1.7 tert-butyl (1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)carbamate

0.2 g (0.47 mmol) of (7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl trifluoromethanesulfonate were dissolved in 5 mL toluene under nitrogen atmosphere, 0.01 g (0.05 mmol) Pd(II) acetate, 0.05 g (0.11 mmol) dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)phosphine (x-Phos) and 0.37 g (1.14 mmol) cesium carbonate were added to this solution and the resulting mixture stirred at 95° C. for 15 min. Then, 0.10 g (0.56 mmol) of 3-((tertbutoxycarbonyl)amino)azetidin-1-ium chloride were added and the reaction mixture stirred for 4 h at 115° C. 11 mg Pd(II) acetate and 45 mg dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)phosphine were added and the mixture was stirred at temperature overnight.

The reaction mixture was allowed to cool at room temperature and was diluted with ethyl acetate.

The organic layer was washed with water and brine. The combined water layers were extracted with ethyl acetate once. The combined organic phases were dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and evaporated. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography to yield 0.11 g (0.24 mmol, 51%) of the desired product.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=448 Calculated for C₂₈H₃₇N₃O₂=447.

1.8 1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-amine

0.11 g (0.24 mmol) of tert-butyl (1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)carbamate were dissolved in 3 mL methylene chloride, 0.20 mL (2.60 mmol) trifluoroacetic acid were added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvents were evaporated. The residue was dissolved in water and washed once with methyl-tert-butyl ether. The water layer was separated, aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution was added until pH 8 was reached, and extracted with methylene chloride (3×). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to yield 0.07 g (0.21 mmol, 87%) of crude material.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=348 Calculated for C₂₃H₂₉N₃=347.

1.9 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

0.07 g (0.21 mmol) of 1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-amine were dissolved in 5 mL methylene chloride, 0.06 g (0.52 mmol) N,N-dimethylpyridin-4-amine and 0.05 g (0.28 mmol) 1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonyl chloride were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The solvent was evaporated and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate and bicarbonate solution. The organic layer was washed twice with water, dried over MgSO₄, filtrated and evaporated. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography to yield 0.07 g (0.13 mmol, 63%) of desired product.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=492 Calculated for C₂₇H₃₃N₅O₂S=491.

Example 2 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=492 Calculated for C₂₇H₃₃N₅O₂S=491.

Example 3 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)methanesulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)methanesulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=426 Calculated for C₂₄H₃₁N₃O₂S=425.

Example 4 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=440 Calculated for C₂₅H₃₃N₃O₂S=439.

Example 5 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=454 Calculated for C₂₆H₃₅N₃O₂S=453.

Example 6 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-sulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.6

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=468 Calculated for C₃₀H₃₁F₂N₃O₄S=467.

Example 7 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3-methylazetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3-methylazetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=506 Calculated for C₂₈H₃₅N₅O₂S=505.

Example 8 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3-methylazetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3-methylazetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=454 Calculated for C₂₆H₃₅N₃O₂S=453.

Example 9 N-((R)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

N-((R)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=506 Calculated for C₂₈H₃₅N₅O₂S=505.

Example 10 N-((S)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

N-((S)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=506 Calculated for C₂₈H₃₅N₅O₂S=505.

Example 11 N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=520 Calculated for C₂₉H₃₇N₅O₂S=519.

Example 12 N-((1R,3r)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

12.1 tert-Butyl ((1R,3r)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)carbamate

0.73 g (11.09 mmol) Zn-powder were added to 7.5 ml dimethylacetamide, the flask was flushed with nitrogen and heated to 65° C. Then, 0.13 mL (1.48 mmol) 1,2-dibromoethane and 0.19 mL (1.48 mmol) trimethylsilylchloride were added via syringe and the mixture was stirred for 30 min at 65° C. 1.10 g (3.7 mmol) tert-butyl ((1R,3R)-3-iodocyclobutyl)carbamate were dissolved in 7.5 mL dimethylacetamide and were added dropwise to the reaction mixture at 65-68° C. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. Then, the mixture was allowed to come to room temperature. 1.57 g (3.70 mmol) of (7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl trifluoromethanesulfonate, 0.09 g (0.11 mmol) [1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), complex with dichloromethane, and 0.08 g (0.44 mmol) copper iodide were added to 7.5 ml dimethylacetamide and heated to 70° C. under an argon atmosphere. The before prepared zink compound was filtered quickly through a glass fibre filter to remove zink residues. The filtrate was added at once to the reaction mixture. The mixture was stirred for 5 h at 80° C., then overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate and was stirred for 15 min. The organic phase was separated, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The desired product was enriched to a -3:1 mixture (starting material:product) by flash chromatography. The obtained enriched mixture was purified by preparative thin layer chromatography to yield 0.09 g (0.20 mmol, 5%) of the desired product as brown resin.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=447 Calculated for C₂₉H₃₈N₂O₂S=446.

12.2 (1R,3r)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutanamine

0.09 g (0.20 mmol) tert-Butyl ((1R,3r)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)carbamate were dissolved in dichloromethylene, 0.38 mL (4.93 mmol) trifluoroacetic acid were added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was partitioned between diluted aqueous bicarbonate solution and dichloromethylene. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted twice with dichloromethylene. The combined organic phases were dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The crude product (0.06 g, 0.19 mmol, 94%) was obtained as a light brown resin.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=347 Calculated for C₂₄H₃₀N₂=346.

12.3 N-((1R,3r)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

0.07 g (0.21 mmol) of (R,3r)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutanamine were dissolved in dichloromethane, 0.05 g (0.41 mmol) dimethylaminopyridine were added, followed by 0.04 g (0.21 mmol) of 1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonyl chloride. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and aqueous bicarbonate solution. The aqueous phase was discarded and the organic phase was washed again with aqueous bicarbonate solution, then twice with aqueous ammoniumchloride solution (10%). The organic phase was dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The desired product was obtained as a light brown resin (0.01 g, 0.01 mmol, 7%).

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=491 Calculated for C₂₈H₃₄N₄O₂S=490.

Example 13 N-((1 S,3s)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

N-((1S,3s)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 12.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=491 Calculated for C₂₈H₃₄N₄O₂S=490.

Example 14 N-((S)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide

N-((S)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=482 Calculated for C₂₇H₃₅N₃O₃S=481.

Example 15 N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1 starting from (7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=518 Calculated for C₂₉H₃₅N₅O₂S=517.

Example 16 N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-sulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1 starting from (7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=519 Calculated for C₂₈H₃₄N₆O₂S=517.

Example 17 N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide

N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide was prepared in analogy to example 1 starting from (7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol.

ESI-MS [M+H⁺]=480 Calculated for C₂₈H₃₇N₃O₂S=479.

Biological Testing

1. [³H]-Glycine uptake into recombinant CHO cells expressing human GlyT1:

Human GlyT1c expressing recombinant hGlyT1c_5_CHO cells were plated at 20,000 cells per well in 96 well Cytostar-T scintillation microplates (Amersham Biosciences) and cultured to sub-confluency for 24 h. For glycine uptake assays the culture medium was aspirated and the cells were washed once with 100 μl HBSS (Gibco BRL, #14025-050) with 5 mM L-Alanine (Merck #1007). 80 μl HBSS buffer were added, followed by 10 μl inhibitor or vehicle (10% DMSO) and 10 μl [³H]-glycine (TRK71, Amersham Biosciences) to a final concentration of 200 nM for initiation of glycine uptake. The plates were placed in a Wallac Microbeta (PerkinElmer) and continuously counted by solid phase scintillation spectrometry during up to 3 hours. Nonspecific uptake was determined in the presence of 10 μM Org24598. IC₅₀ calculations were made by four-parametric logistic nonlinear regression analysis (GraphPad Prism) using determinations within the range of linear increase of [³H]-glycine incorporation between 60 and 120 min.

2. Radioligand binding assays using recombinant CHO cell membranes expressing human GlyT1:

Radioligand binding to human GlyT1c transporter-expressing membranes was determined as described in Mezler et al., Molecular Pharmacology 74:1705-1715, 2008.

The following results were obtained with the compounds disclosed in the examples:

TABLE 1 radioligand binding Example K_(iapp) [μM]  1 ≦0.01  2 ≦0.01  3* ≦1.0  4* ≦0.1  5* ≦0.01  6 ≦10  7* ≦0.1  8 ≦10  9* ≦0.1 10 ≦1.0  11* ≦0.1 12 ≦0.01 13 ≦0.1 14 ≦0.1 15 ≦0.1 16 ≦0.01 17 ≦0.01 *these compounds were tested in the form of the corresponding fumarate salts 3. Metabolic stability

Metabolic stability was determined as follows:

0.5 μM test substance was preincubated together with human liver microsomes (0.25 mg of microsomal protein/ml) in 0.05 M potassium phosphate buffer of pH 7.4 in microtiter plates at 37° C. for 5 min. The reaction was started by adding NADPH (1.0 mM). After 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min the reaction was stopped and cooled with twice the amount of quench solution consisting of acetonitrile/methanol 1:1, and containing 0.2 μM carbutamide. The samples were frozen until analyzed. The remaining concentration of undegraded test substance was determined by LC MSMS. The half-life (T1/2) was determined from the gradient of the signal of test substance/unit time plot, allowing to calculate the half-life of the test substance, assuming first order kinetics, from the decrease in the concentration of the compound with time. The microsomal clearance (mClint) was calculated as follows: mClint=((ln(2)/t 1/2)/Microsomal Protein Concentration (mg/ml))*1000, leading to the unit of uLmin/mg. The scaled clearance (mClin_scaled) was calculated as mCLint_scaled=m CLint*(Microsomal Yield (mg/kg BW))/1000000*60, leading to the units L/hr/kg. The Microsomal Yield is defined by the specifics of the used microsomes. Calculations were modified from references: Di, The Society for Biomolecular Screening, 2003, 453-462; Obach, DMD, 1999 vol 27. N 11, 1350-1359.

The following results were obtained with the compounds disclosed in the examples:

TABLE 2 Example human mCl [L/h/Kg]  1 ≦5  2 ≦5  3* ≦5  4* ≦5  5* ≦5  6 ≦500  7* ≦5  8 ≦5  9* ≦5 10 ≦5  11* ≦5 12 ≦5 13 ≦5 14 ≦5 15 ≦5 16 ≦5 17 ≦5 *these compounds were tested in the form of the corresponding fumarate salts 4. Determination of efflux ratio using Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Type II cells

Bidirectional transport experiments were performed on Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Type II cells over-expressing multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1-MDCK) to evaluate the compounds as potential P-gp substrates.

Compounds were added at 1 μM in HBSS-pH 7.4 (hanks balanced salt solution) to either the apical or basolateral side of MDR1-MDCK cell monolayers grown on Millicell 96-Cell polycarbonate filters. Samples were collected from both apical and basolateral sides at time 0 and after 1 h incubation at 37 C, compounds concentrations were measured by HPLC/MS/MS and permeability coefficients were then determined in both transport directions. The efflux ratio was subsequently calculated from the permeability coefficient.

For reasons of completeness, various aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the following numbered clauses:

-   Clause 1. Compounds of the formula (I)

-   -   wherein     -   A is a 5- or 6-membered ring;     -   R¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, tri-(C₁-C₄-alkyl)-silyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkyloxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         di-C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, (optionally substituted         C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally         substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted         M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, halogenated         C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, (halogenated         C₁-C₄-alkyl)aminocarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylaminocarbonyl,         C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted         C₆-C₁₂-aryl, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy,         C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         amino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy,         M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxy,         M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyloxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, halogenated         C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, (halogenated         C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-(halogenated         C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino, (halogenated         C₁-C₆-alkyl)carbonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino,         C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino, (halogenated         C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino or         optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl;     -   W is —NR⁷— or a bond;     -   A¹ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene or a bond;     -   Q is —S(O)₂— or —C(O)—;     -   Y is —NR⁸— or a bond;     -   n1 is 0, 1, 2, or 3;     -   n2 is 0, 1, 2, or 3;     -   X¹ is >N— or >CH—;     -   R⁶ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl,         —CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, or two         radicals R⁶ together with the carbon atom to which they are         attached form a carbonyl group;     -   R² is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl,         —CN, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted         C₆-C₁₂-aryl, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy,         C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy,         C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyloxy,         C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl,         aminosulfonyl, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, C₂-C₆-alkenylamino,         nitro or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, or two         radicals R² together with the ring atoms of A to which they are         bound form a 5- or 6 membered ring;     -   m is 0 or 1;     -   R³ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy, or two         radicals R³ together with the carbon atom to which they are         attached form a carbonyl group;     -   Y¹ is a bond or optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene;     -   R^(4a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CH₂CN,         C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted         C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, —CHO, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, (halogenated         C₁-C₄-alkyl)carbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl,         C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,         —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NHCN, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl,         C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonyl, amino, —NO or optionally substituted         M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl; or     -   R^(4a) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene that is bound to         a carbon atom in Y¹;     -   R^(4b) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl,         hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CH₂CN, —CHO, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl,         (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)carbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonyl,         C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, —C(═NH)NH₂,         —C(═NH)NHCN, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonyl, amino,         —NO or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl; or     -   R^(4a), R^(4b)         -   together are optionally substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene, wherein             one —CH₂— of C₂-C₆-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen             atom or —NR¹⁰;     -   X² is —O—, —NR^(11a), —S—, >CR^(12a)R^(12b) or a bond;     -   X³ is —O—, —NR^(11b-), —S—, >CR^(13a)R^(13b) or a bond;     -   R⁵ is optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, optionally substituted         C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl;     -   R⁷ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl,         amino-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted         C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl; or     -   R⁸, R¹         -   together are C₁-C₄-alkylene;

R¹⁰ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl;

R^(11a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl;

R^(11b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl;

-   -   R^(12a) is hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted         C₆-C₁₂-aryl or hydroxy;     -   R^(12b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl, or     -   R^(12a)R^(12b)         -   together with the carbon atom to which they are attached             form a carbonyl or are optionally substituted             C₂-C₄-alkylene, wherein one —CH₂— of C₂-C₄-alkylene may be             replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR⁴—;     -   R^(13a) is hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl,         M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted         C₆-C₁₂-aryl or hydroxy;     -   R^(13b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl, or     -   R^(13a), R^(13b)         -   together with the carbon atom to which they are attached             form a carbonyl or are optionally substituted             C₁-C₄-alkylene, wherein one —CH₂— of C₁-C₄-alkylene may be             replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁵—;     -   R¹⁴ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; and     -   R¹⁵ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl,     -   or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof.

-   Clause 2. Compound as claimed in clause 1, wherein A is a benzene     ring or a ring selected from the group consisting of the following     5- or 6-membered heterocyclic rings:

-   Clause 3. Compound as claimed in clause 1 or 2, wherein R¹ is     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl. -   Clause 4. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein     W is a bond and A¹ is a bond. -   Clause 5. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein     Q is —S(O)₂—. -   Clause 6. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein     Y is —NR⁸—. -   Clause 7. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein     at least one of n1 and n2 is 1, 2, or 3. -   Clause 8. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein     the sum of n1+n2 is 2, 3, or 4. -   Clause 9. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein     X¹ is >N—, n1 is 1, and n2 is 1; or X¹ is >CH—, n1 is 1, and n2 is     1. -   Clause 10. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein     R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or two radicals R⁶ together with the     carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl group.

Clause 11. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 10, having the formula

-   -   wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, n1, n2, X¹, R⁶, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a),         R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 10.

-   Clause 12. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 11,     wherein R² is hydrogen or halogen.

-   Clause 13. Compound as claimed in clause 11 or 12, having one of the     formulae

-   -   wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, n1, n2, X¹, R⁶, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a),         R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined in any of clauses 1 to 12.

-   Clause 14. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 13,     wherein R³ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-allyl.

-   Clause 15. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 14, having     the formula

-   -   wherein R^(3a), R^(3b), R^(3c), R³ independently have the         meaning of R³, and A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, n1, n2, X¹, R⁶, R², m,         R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined in any one of         clauses 1 to 14.

-   Clause 16. Compound as claimed in clause 1 to 15, wherein Y¹ is a     bond.

-   Clause 17. Compound as claimed in clause 1 to 16, wherein R^(4a) is     hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl.

-   Clause 18. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 17,     wherein R^(4b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.

-   Clause 19. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 16,     wherein R^(4a), R^(4b) together are optionally substituted     C₂-C₆-alkylene, wherein one —CH₂— of C₂-C₆-alkylene may be replaced     by an oxygen atom.

-   Clause 20. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 19,     wherein X² is >CR^(12a)R^(12b) Clause 21. Compound as claimed in any     one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein X³ is a bond.

-   Clause 22. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 21,     wherein R^(12a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl and R^(12b) is hydrogen     or C₁-C₆-alkyl.

-   Clause 23. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 22,     wherein R⁵ is optionally substituted aryl.

-   Clause 24. Compound as claimed in clause 23, having the formula

-   -   wherein A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, n1, n2, X¹, R⁶, R², m, R³, Y¹,         R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³ are as defined in any one of clauses 1 to         23; and     -   R¹⁶, R^(16b), R^(16c), R^(16d), R^(16e)     -   independently are hydrogen, halogen, or halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl.

-   Clause 25. Compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 24,     wherein m is 1.

-   Clause 26. Compound as claimed in clause 1, wherein     -   A is a benzene ring;     -   R¹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or optionally         substituted M₃-M₁₂ heterocyclyl;     -   W is a bond;     -   A¹ is a bond     -   Q is —S(O)₂—;     -   Y is —NR⁸—;     -   n1 is 1 or 2;     -   n2 is 1 or 2;     -   R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, or two radicals R⁶ together with         the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl         group;     -   X¹ is ->N— or >CH—;     -   R² is hydrogen;     -   m is 1;     -   R³ is hydrogen;     -   Y¹ is a bond;     -   R^(4a), R^(4b)         -   together are optionally substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene;     -   X² is >CR^(12a)R^(12b);     -   X³ is a bond     -   R⁵ is optionally substituted phenyl;     -   R⁸ is hydrogen;     -   R^(12a) is hydrogen; and     -   R^(12b) is hydrogen.

-   Clause 27. The compound as claimed in clause 1 which is:

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)methanesulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1-(7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3-methylazetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3-methylazetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide;

-   N-((R)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-((S)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-((1R,3r)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1S,3s)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-((S)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide:

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide;

-   or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof.

-   Clause 28. The compound as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 27 for     use in therapy.

-   Clause 29. Pharmaceutical composition which comprises a carrier and     a compound of any one of clauses 1 to 27.

-   Clause 30. A method for inhibiting the glycine transporter GlyT1 in     a mammal in need thereof which comprises the administration of an     effective amount of a compound of any one of clauses 1 to 27.

-   Clause 31. The use of a compound of any one of clauses 1 to 27 in     the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting the glycine     transporter GlyT1.

-   Clause 32. A method for treating a neurologic or psychiatric     disorder or pain in a mammalian patient in need thereof which     comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective     amount of a compound of any one of clauses 1 to 27.

-   Clause 33. The use of a compound of any one of clauses 1 to 27 in     the manufacture of a medicament for treating a neurologic or     psychiatric disorder or pain.

-   Clause 34. The compound of any one of clauses 1 to 27 for use in a     method of treating a neurologic or psychiatric disorder or pain.

-   Clause 35. The method, use or compound as claimed in any one of     clauses 29 to 34, wherein the disorder is associated with     glycinergic or glutamatergic neurotransmission dysfunction.

-   Clause 36. The method, use or compound as claimed in any one of     clauses 29 to 35, wherein the neurologic disorder is a cognitive     disorder such as dementia, cognitive impairment, or attention     deficit disorder.

-   Clause 37. The method, use or compound as claimed in clause 36,     wherein the attention deficit disorder is an attention deficit     disorder with hyperactivity.

-   Clause 38. The method, use or compound as claimed in any one of any     one of clauses 29 to 34, wherein the psychiatric disorder is an     anxiety disorder, a mood disorder such as depression, a bipolar     disorder, schizophrenia, or a psychotic disorder. 

We claim:
 1. A compound of the formula (I)

wherein A is selected from the group consisting of:

and a benzene ring: R¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl, tri-(C₁-C₄-alkyl)-silyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkyloxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, (optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)aminocarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, (C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclylsulfonylamino-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxy, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyloxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino, di-(halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)carbonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonylamino, (halogenated C₁-C₆-alkyl)sulfonylamino, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonylamino or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl; W is —NR⁷— or a bond; A₁ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene or a bond; Q is —S(O)₂— or —C(O)—; Y is —NR⁸— or a bond; n1 is 0, 1, 2, or 3; n2 is 0, 1, 2, or 3; X¹ is >N- or >CH—; R⁶ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CN, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, or two radicals R⁶ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl group; R² is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CN, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, hydroxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, halogenated C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyloxy, C₁-C₆-alkylthio, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, amino, C₁-C₆-alkylamino, C₂-C₆-alkenylamino, nitro or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl, or two radicals R² together with the ring atoms of A to which they are bound form a 5- or 6 membered ring; m is 1; R³ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy, or two radicals R³ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl group; Y¹ is a bond or optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene; R^(4a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CH₂CN, C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, —CHO, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)carbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NHCN, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonyl, amino, —NO or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl; R^(4b) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, amino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, —CH₂CN, —CHO, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, (halogenated C₁-C₄-alkyl)carbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylcarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryloxycarbonyl, C₁-C₆-alkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NHCN, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₆-C₁₂-arylsulfonyl, amino, —NO or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl; or R^(4a), R^(4b) together are optionally substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene, wherein one —CH₂— of C₂-C₆-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁰; X² is —O—, —NR^(11a)—, —S—, >CR^(12a)R^(12b) or a bond; X³ is —O—, —NR^(11b), —S—, >CR^(13a)R^(13b) or a bond; R⁵ is optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl, optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl; R⁷ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, amino-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl; or R⁸, R¹ together are C₁-C₄-alkylene; R¹⁰ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R^(11a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R^(11b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R^(12a) is hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl or hydroxy; R^(12b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl, or R^(12a), R^(12b) together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl or are optionally substituted C₂-C₄-alkylene, wherein one —CH₂— of C₂-C₄-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁴—; R^(13a) is hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, di-C₁-C₆-alkylamino-C₁-C₄-alkyl, M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted C₆-C₁₂-aryl or hydroxy; R^(13b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl, or R^(13a), R^(13b) together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl or are optionally substituted C₁-C₄-alkylene, wherein one —CH₂— of C₁-C₄-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom or —NR¹⁵—; R¹⁴ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; and R¹⁵ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl, or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof wherein at least one of n1 and n2 is 1, 2 or
 3. 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein A is a benzene ring or a ring selected from the group consisting of:


3. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl.
 4. The compound of claim 1, wherein W is a bond and A¹ is a bond.
 5. The compound of claim 1, wherein Q is —S(O)₂— and Y is —NR⁸—.
 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein the sum of n1+n2 is 2, 3, or
 4. 7. The compound of claim 1, wherein X¹ is >N—, n1 is 1, and n2 is 1; or X¹ is >CH—, n1 is 1, and n2 is
 1. 8. The compound of claim 1, wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or two radicals R⁶ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl group.
 9. The compound of claim 1, having the formula

wherein R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, n1, n2, X¹, R⁶, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³, R⁵ are as defined in claim
 1. 10. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is hydrogen or halogen.
 11. The compound of claim 1, wherein R³ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.
 12. The compound of claim 1, wherein Y¹ is a bond.
 13. The compound of claim 1, wherein R^(4a) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, optionally substituted C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or M₃-M₁₂-heterocyclyl and R^(4b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; or wherein R^(4a), R^(4b) together are optionally substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene, wherein one —CH₂— of C₂-C₆-alkylene may be replaced by an oxygen atom.
 14. The compound of claim 1, wherein X² is >CR^(12a)R^(12b), X³ is a bond, and R^(12a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl and R^(12b) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.
 15. The compound of claim 1, having the formula

wherein A, R¹, W, A¹, Q, Y, n1, n2, X¹, R⁶, R², m, R³, Y¹, R^(4a), R^(4b), X², X³ are as defined in claim 1; and R^(16a), R^(16b), R^(16c), R^(16d), R^(16e) independently are hydrogen, halogen, or halogenated C1-C6-alkyl.
 16. The compound of claim 1, wherein A is a benzene ring; R¹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or optionally substituted M₃-M₁₂ heterocyclyl; W is a bond; A¹ is a bond; Q is —S(O)₂—; Y is —NR⁸— n1 is 1 or 2; n2 is 1 or 2; R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, or two radicals R⁶ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbonyl group; X¹ is ->N- or >CH—; R² is hydrogen; R³ is hydrogen; Y¹ is a bond; R^(4a), R^(4b) together are optionally substituted C₂-C₆-alkylene; X² is >CR^(12a)R^(12b); X³ is a bond; R⁵ is optionally substituted phenyl; R⁸ is hydrogen; R^(12a) is hydrogen; and R^(12b) is hydrogen.
 17. The compound of claim 1 which is: N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)methanesulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-sulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3-methylazetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3-methylazetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide; N-((R)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide; N-((S)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide; N-((1R,3r)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide; N-((1S,3s)-3-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)cyclobutyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide; N-((S)-1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide; N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-sulfonamide: N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-sulfonamide; or N-(1-((7S,8R)-8-benzyl-7-(3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide; or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof.
 18. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a carrier and a compound of claim
 1. 19. The compound of claim 1 which is N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)ethanesulfonamide, or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof.
 20. The compound of claim 1 which is N-(1-((7S,8R)-7-(azetidin-1-yl)-8-benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)azetidin-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonamide, or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof. 